Sexual Sin: How do I attack this?

[Brak]

A little background first. I’m 21, and technically I’ve been a catholic all my life. Although it wasn’t until high school that I became in any way, shape, or form interested in my faith life. Even then, I was a bit lethargic about learning scripture. It’s only been this past year that I have actually attempted to take a deep dive into the bible and truly understand it. During this period of time, I, like many others, have suffered greatly under the pressures of sexual sin, specifically pornography and masturbation. This past year has also been the only year where I’ve REALLY came at my habits with full force and an iron fist, and so far, I think I’ve done pretty well. I’ve been able to hold a sober streak for 31-32 days, although the time of sobriety varies every time I attempt it. Right now, it’s mostly at a constant 2 1/2 weeks of sobriety, then confession ASAP. My next goal is to push around 50 days or more, but there’s one little thing gnawing at my mind that stops me from doing so and I want to know what you guys have to say about it.

I know deep and well the Church’s teaching on sexual sin. I also am very well of our fallen nature, how it happened, and that I shouldn’t ever expect to be totally perfect. I am going to slip and fall, and I just have to learn how to watch my steps. Regardless, I am a ludicrous perfectionist when it comes to anything I am deeply passionate about, up to the point where the things I love can drive me absolutely insane (any one of my design professors can tell you this). It’s almost sick beyond belief. That being said, I think it is a MASSIVE contributor to my sins, because I have so much fear instilled in me that I am going to screw up whenever temptation hits, thus leading to massive amounts of guilt and shame, making me afraid of the sin. The vicious cycle continues on, and on, and on.

So my question is this. How do you think I should look at things when temptation rears its hideous face in front of mine? Should I take on a sunny disposition while I pray? Laugh at it and mock it? Or do you think I should be continuing to fear it, but just fear it from a different perspective?

 

[baltobetsy]

Sunny disposition all the way. You have GOD on your side! How can you not be confident? Flip through the Psalms and find yourself something appropriate - you know - how you can’t lose with God on your side. Pray those Psalms with a sunny disposition and see if you don’t conquer more easily.

Your enemy loves it when you cower. Don’t be foolish, but don’t be fearful, either.

 

[coco2]

I suggest confessing as often as possible. You will receive grace that will help you with this. You also might want to consider calling upon upon St. Michael. St Michael defend us in battle! Slavery to sexual sin is quite a battle and St. Michael is ready to fight against it with you and for you. Keep praying and confessing. God is on your side.