Overcoming sin

[CatholicGeek1]

I have been struggling to overcome a particular sin. This is something that I have been doing since before I became a member of the Catholic Church. At the time it began, I did not believe that it was a sin. However, I have come to understand otherwise. The problem is that it has almost become a habit for me. There are times when the temptation to this sin is so strong that I really feel like I cannot think about anything else. Afterwards, I feel very guilty for having done it and pray for mercy and strength to resist this temptation, and sometimes I am able to go for a while without indulging, but then eventually I find myself unable to concentrate on anything else. How can I overcome this sin?

 

[Bowljr300]

Some sins, particularly ones like masturbation, can easily become habit and are very difficult to break. Prayer, fasting, adoration and frequent confession are your best weapons. As fraile humans, we have to then place our hope in the Lord to sustain us and help us to overcome these weaknesses.

Remember to be patient with your faults and to place them into the hands of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to give you the patience to deal with your weakness, and the fortitude to be strong in the face of temptation.

 

[bscastro]

Greetings,

Besides CatholicGeek’s good advice, I would also try using the “opposite” virtue to combat the sin. For example, let’s use lust: Instead of objectifying women (in our example), you might want to purposefully and repeatedly try to look at women with the dignity and beauty that they truly deserve.

With the sin of anger for example, you may want to focus on being more patient (or whatever is appropriate).

We have difficulty doing this on our own, so avail yourself of all of the spiritual tools (prayer, fasting, frequent and reverent sacraments) that you have before you.

God bless,
Bryan