Temptation vs Sin

[CuriousInIL]

I struggle, as we all do, with a particular temptation and the sin that results of that temptation. And, as we know, entertaining the temptation in your heart and mind is a sin itself.

Obviously, the best result is eliminating the temptation and the sin. However, I am struggling to achieve that and, in the mean time, I know myself that if I give in to the sin the temptations will be greatly reduced (for at least a time).

I am interested in opinions, what is the greater sin: constantly entertaining the temptation though not actually the sin or falling to the sin?

 

[threej_lc]

From one who’s been there:

The thought that “Giving in will relieve the temptation for a time” Is just a lie from the enemy. It may seem on occasion that giving in so that our minds may be cleared for a length of time is a worthy goal, but it is a complete lie.

The enemy allows the temptation to drop away in order to trick us to give in again. Each time we give in, the next time the thoughts finally do come back, they are just a little bit more insistant, more demanding. Each time we give in, the wait before they come back gets just a little bit shorter. It is a snare, and whith each failure, we become more enslaved to it.

So fight against the temptation, no matter how long it stays there. If you are truly resolute in not giving in, the enemy will eventually stop considering this as a weekness, and the temptations will then lighten on their own. When fighting becomes too hard, go to the blessed sacrament in adoration, and just gaze at him for at time. He is the most pure and most holy light of the world, and will purge out any temptation in his presence.

Josh

 

[awalt]

You know what’s been working for me lately? Prayer! That’s right!

Actually, like all of you I have had Priests recommend to me a lot things like “when you feel you are at a moment of weakness, just pray”. I as skeptical that it could work, maybe I didn’t completely understand what they meant.

ANyway, when I feel a bad thought starting to creep in my head, to me it’s like I can feel my mind wander and I know it may end up at some impure thought about one of the 7 deadly sins, I immediiately start reciting the Lord’s Prayer or Hail Mary as fast and as hard as I can - contemplating on the prayer, but giving my mind no cycles to think about anything else. When I stop, I am back in the circle of Jesus and I have resisted the temptation that time!

The longer I have done it, the better it works - try it!!

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

Peace be with you!

I am also struggling to overcome temptation and sin. I pray, as awalt does, but I also make sure to wear my scapular at all times, even when I’m asleep. Then I have the reminder that Mary and Jesus are with me and I better not do anything bad while they are! I also wear a St. Benedict medal, which reminds me of a prayerful life. St. Michael the Archangel would also be a good saint to ask for prayers from because he certainly knows about fighting the enemy firsthand!

In Christ,
Rand