Temptation became a sin. When?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ADiosgracias
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
A

ADiosgracias

Guest
An impure thought, when no longer is a temptation and becomes a sin? Is it a matter of time duration that is in my head?.
 
It’s sinning when you begin to fantasize over the thought, letting it play out and not attempting to think of something else. Having it come up is one thing and not really a big deal, but you should try your best to control those thoughts, and it’s not always easy.
 
enickman said:
It’s sinning when you begin to fantasize over the thought, letting it play out and not attempting to think of something else. Having it come up is one thing and not really a big deal, but you should try your best to control those thoughts, and it’s not always easy.
Click to expand...
That is correct. It can also be sinful if you permit the thought to linger.

Another example is if you see an immodest image in a store or whatnot, then look away; if you look back at it a second time, THAT is a sin, because you knew it was there and chose to look back anyway.

If you can construe that to thoughts, you could say that the first moment you think of it, it is just a temptation, but if you linger on it/return to the thought it is sinful.
 
ADiosgracias said:
An impure thought, when no longer is a temptation and becomes a sin? Is it a matter of time duration that is in my head?.
Click to expand...
Your intent is important. How do you intend to act on the temptation? If you look at a woman with a desire to possess her for you own pleasure, that is lust. That can lead to

1 A proposal for sex outside of marriage
2 Fuel for sexual fantasies that lead you to masturbation or porn use

Instead of looking at the woman for who she truly is, You choose to use the temptation as an opportunity to objectify her. She becomes an object for your pleasure, rather than a complete human being worth of your respect.So the proper response to seeing someone attractive is to

1 smile and go on
2 engage her eyes and say hello and get to know her, as a whole person, not just as a pair of breasts or hips.

This does not mean that feelings of pleasure are sinful. It’s how you intend to act on those feelings that is important.
 
It’s a question of consent. Sometimes it is hard to tell where the temptation is and where the consent is, Sometimes the more you worry about it the worse it becomes. In that case, avoid occasons that you know will lead you into sin, act with good faith, and if you are unsure, just mention it in confession.
🙂
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top