Sinful thoughts vs acts

[Scrupulously4]

So I struggle with intrusive thoughts and have trouble even identifying them as intrusive thoughts(that just proves that they are intrusive) and I went to confession and my priest told me that when I have intrusive or non intrusive thoughts (which I fight back almost immediately) about sexual desire, I can just ask god for forgiveness on the spot and I don’t need to go to confession for that as often as I was. It was about every 2 or three days. Now I realize, that this is not a place for scrupulousity counseling. But I do have to ask the question, is my priest right? Can I just ask for forgiveness on the spot and receive it? I don’t act out ANY of my thoughts and even if some thought begins to come into my head and it latches on for 2-3 min but then deny it. Is it a moral sin? Or is it a sin I can pray by myself for forgiveness? Thanks all! I’m working on my OCD hard and this is not re assurance seeking I just want to know from a Moral Catholic point of view if my priest is right.

 

[GospelOfMatthew]

Thoughts are not sins but actions are. However, our thoughts are reflections of our sins and therefore, if you sin through impure acts, you are more likely to have impure thoughts. Speaking from personal experience. The road is long and daunting, never give up!

 

[TheLittleLady]

You cannot keep the birds from flying overhead.

You can keep the birds from making a nest in your hair.

The thoughts that fly by are one thing, entertaining and dwelling on those thoughts is where sin enters.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

It makes more sense to listen to the priest you know than to seek validation from strangers on the Internet.

If you are scrupulous, work with your priest and don’t ask people here to second-guess him.

 

[PJH_74]

It makes more sense to listen to the priest you know than to seek validation from strangers on the Internet.

I agree. I’d add that we have free will. There are days I’m sure we’d all like to smack someone or curse them out, but in many ways our resistance to such things indicates the love of Jesus has permeated our hearts.