The Implications of Mortal Sin

[ATeutonicKnight]

I have a hard time with Mortal Sin. I realize it’s bad, and I realize that when I commit one I completely cut off my relationship with God, but how does it affect him directly? What did I just do to him in human terms? Please, be as graphic as possible, because I want to know so I may attain Perfect Contrition easier. Also, are there any links that you have from apologists speaking about it? I prefer people such as Tim Staples, Father Corapi and Scott Hahn, so if you have anything from them I would appreciate it.

Thank you for your time.

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1:

 

[karebear92]

I have a hard time with Mortal Sin. I realize it’s bad, and I realize that when I commit one I completely cut off my relationship with God, but how does it affect him directly? What did I just do to him in human terms? Please, be as graphic as possible, because I want to know so I may attain Perfect Contrition easier. Also, are there any links that you have from apologists speaking about it? I prefer people such as Tim Staples, Father Corapi and Scott Hahn, so if you have anything from them I would appreciate it.

Thank you for your time.

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1:

Think of God as a parent. He loves you and would do anything (including sacrificing his life in a brutal way) to maintain a relationship with you. When you commit a mortal sin you cut off your relationship with Him and directly dismiss His words and guidance. The very words and guidance that allow you to exist, to be happy for eternity. I don’t know if you are a parent, but most parents are willing to give up their life for their children. They will do anything to make sure that their kids are happy and healthy. Now imagine that your child intentionally cuts you off completely and messes up their life.

Now look at that from God’s perspective. He loves you more than a parent can love their child, and rather than separation for life it is separation for eternity (unless you repent). He gave you the gift of eternal life. Imagine if you gave your life for your child and they just don’t care enough to be thankful. As hurtful as that sounds, it is a tiny fraction of the disappointment God feels when someone intentionally separates themselves from Him after He gave everything for them. It is impossible to put it in human terms because we can not possibly understand the love God has for each and every one of us.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Think of God as a parent. He loves you and would do anything (including sacrificing his life in a brutal way) to maintain a relationship with you. When you commit a mortal sin you cut off your relationship with Him and directly dismiss His words and guidance. The very words and guidance that allow you to exist, to be happy for eternity. I don’t know if you are a parent, but most parents are willing to give up their life for their children. They will do anything to make sure that their kids are happy and healthy. Now imagine that your child intentionally cuts you off completely and messes up their life.

Now look at that from God’s perspective. He loves you more than a parent can love their child, and rather than separation for life it is separation for eternity (unless you repent). He gave you the gift of eternal life. Imagine if you gave your life for your child and they just don’t care enough to be thankful. As hurtful as that sounds, it is a tiny fraction of the disappointment God feels when someone intentionally separates themselves from Him after He gave everything for them. It is impossible to put it in human terms because we can not possibly understand the love God has for each and every one of us.

Thanks for the reply, but it didn’t really help any. But I don’t blame you for it. I’m asking for an impossible answer that I won’t be able to find easily. I know almost everything about it. I know why it’s wrong, I know why it hurts God, I know of the effects of it, but I don’t know what it feels like. And sadly, until I feel abandoned and hurt for something, I won’t know.

But it’s weird. I always feel absolutely terrible for doing something wrong. I remember one time when I was younger I was messing with gym equipment at a hotel, and one of the workers there came and told me to stop messing with the stuff, and I felt ashamed and sad that I did it. I remember one time not too long ago when I unintentionally angered and upset someone. I felt horrible for it, and it wasn’t even intentional. But the thing is, I didn’t know any of those people, but God, whom I pray to everyday, whom I read about in the bible and in religious books, for some reason, I just can’t feel as guilty as I think I should. For instance, earlier I thought I had committed a Mortal Sin. I felt very guilty, but I realized it was only because I had just gone to confession and was simply mad at myself for being in Mortal Sin again. I rarely get to go to confession and am in Mortal Sin most of the time because of it, so I was imperfectly contrite for it. It turns out later that it wasn’t a Mortal Sin, but the point stands. I’m not sure why I can’t understand what I do to God, but I can’t. Can anyone help me with this? Perhaps anyone who had the same problem? I’m really desperate here. I want to be in Perfect Contrition more than anything, but I’m unable. My sister told me it is because I’m not meant to yet, but I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be meant to at this moment. I could die of spontaneous combustion two seconds from now, so I don’t know why God wouldn’t want me to.

 

[karebear92]

Thanks for the reply, but it didn’t really help any. But I don’t blame you for it. I’m asking for an impossible answer that I won’t be able to find easily. I know almost everything about it. I know why it’s wrong, I know why it hurts God, I know of the effects of it, but I don’t know what it feels like. And sadly, until I feel abandoned and hurt for something, I won’t know.

But it’s weird. I always feel absolutely terrible for doing something wrong. I remember one time when I was younger I was messing with gym equipment at a hotel, and one of the workers there came and told me to stop messing with the stuff, and I felt ashamed and sad that I did it. I remember one time not too long ago when I unintentionally angered and upset someone. I felt horrible for it, and it wasn’t even intentional. But the thing is, I didn’t know any of those people, but God, whom I pray to everyday, whom I read about in the bible and in religious books, for some reason, I just can’t feel as guilty as I think I should. For instance, earlier I thought I had committed a Mortal Sin. I felt very guilty, but I realized it was only because I had just gone to confession and was simply mad at myself for being in Mortal Sin again. I rarely get to go to confession and am in Mortal Sin most of the time because of it, so I was imperfectly contrite for it. It turns out later that it wasn’t a Mortal Sin, but the point stands. I’m not sure why I can’t understand what I do to God, but I can’t. Can anyone help me with this? Perhaps anyone who had the same problem? I’m really desperate here. I want to be in Perfect Contrition more than anything, but I’m unable. My sister told me it is because I’m not meant to yet, but I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be meant to at this moment. I could die of spontaneous combustion two seconds from now, so I don’t know why God wouldn’t want me to.

Ahh, I understand what you mean now. Just remember, it is not guilt that makes Perfect Contrition, but sorrow. You do not need to feel guilty about doing something, you should feel sorry that you offended God. Have you ever said something to your parent or spouse that you wish you hadn’t said. You might not necessarily feel guilty about it, but you feel sorry that you have offended someone that both cares about you so much and that you care about so much. You know that God cares about you enough, so the only thing left to do is continue to build your relationship with Him and a you will become closer to Perfect Contrition. In all honesty though, I think this is something everyone struggles with. It is easier to feel sorry when you can physically see the pain you cause. Sorry, that doesn’t really help, and I am kind of rambling right now for some reason.

 

[Anthony_V]

Thanks for the reply, but it didn’t really help any. But I don’t blame you for it. I’m asking for an impossible answer that I won’t be able to find easily. I know almost everything about it. I know why it’s wrong, I know why it hurts God, I know of the effects of it, but I don’t know what it feels like. And sadly, until I feel abandoned and hurt for something, I won’t know.

But it’s weird. I always feel absolutely terrible for doing something wrong. I remember one time when I was younger I was messing with gym equipment at a hotel, and one of the workers there came and told me to stop messing with the stuff, and I felt ashamed and sad that I did it. I remember one time not too long ago when I unintentionally angered and upset someone. I felt horrible for it, and it wasn’t even intentional. But the thing is, I didn’t know any of those people, but God, whom I pray to everyday, whom I read about in the bible and in religious books, for some reason, I just can’t feel as guilty as I think I should. For instance, earlier I thought I had committed a Mortal Sin. I felt very guilty, but I realized it was only because I had just gone to confession and was simply mad at myself for being in Mortal Sin again. I rarely get to go to confession and am in Mortal Sin most of the time because of it, so I was imperfectly contrite for it. It turns out later that it wasn’t a Mortal Sin, but the point stands. I’m not sure why I can’t understand what I do to God, but I can’t. Can anyone help me with this? Perhaps anyone who had the same problem? I’m really desperate here. I want to be in Perfect Contrition more than anything, but I’m unable. My sister told me it is because I’m not meant to yet, but I’m not sure why I wouldn’t be meant to at this moment. I could die of spontaneous combustion two seconds from now, so I don’t know why God wouldn’t want me to.

If it’s any consolation, it’s not how we feel that pleases God. It’s our will. You cannot give your spontaneous emotions to God, persay. You can give your will to him, though. So an act of perfect contrition is a willful sorrow. You are sorrowful because you are choosing to love God, and your actions have contradicted that love. I’ve said so recently to someone, God is not a big angry man with a beard taking notes on what you’ve done wrong. He’s taking notes on what you’ve done right, and what you are striving for.
Set spiritual goals, and as you understand where the Holy Spirit is guiding you, then adjust accordingly. Make the goals simple, where they lead to a greater achievement. Don’t make your only goal “never in a state of moral sin”. Make your goals amends to help you to be in a state of grace. Praying the rosary daily is an effective weapon against evil. It helps guide the soul in a formal manner. Having contemplative prayer daily is also an effective weapon against evil. It helps guide the soul in a free-moving manner. Both are important.

 

[JRKH]

I don’t have a lot of time right now, but in reading your concerns, I thought of something contained in the “Dialogues of St Catherine of Siena”.God actually answers St Catherine on nearly this very Question. Let’s see if I can recall it…

God is so great and so Loving and so much above us in any sort of human terms that we cannot ever Love him as he deserves, nor can we truly hurt him in any real or substantial way.
What we can do is to Love our self and our neighbor as we wish to Love Him and as He wishes us to Love each other.
If we Love our self and our neighbor fully, then God is pleased and completely satisfied.
If we injure our self or our neighbor through sin, God is not pleased and is, in a sense, “wounded” by this.

So - in short, the feelings of guilt and repentance that you feel for hurting your neighbor IS in a very real sense a contrition to God, for sinning.

I’m not sure if I have expressed this just right, but I hope it helps some.

Anthony V’s answer above is a good one…

Peace
James

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Thank you all for your responses. They’ve helped me quite a bit.

 

[Paul_Infirdigno]

I am almost going through the exact same thing,
-i keep falling into mortal sin and sometimes its not even mortal sin i just thought it was
-cant confess when i want to.
-Feel like i could die any night by a heart attack or something.

But Theres something that comforts me, Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD, The only begotten of the Father, came down from Heaven, out of Love for me and the Father, To Live in a poor family, in an evil world, just to die, and give everything for us (even His Mother) for the redemption of my soul and resurrected for the redemption of my flesh ( im not sure if thats correct but you get my point) and ascended into Heaven to be a mediator between me and GOD, and prayed that the Holy Spirit may descend upon me, and to inspire the church which is for us.
That same Lord, wants me to convert, why should i worry about “Oh no what if i die tonight,” or “Oh no what if i explode randomly” or “What if a guy throws a boulder at me” Which would kill you if you have a tender head or… never mind you get my point, why should i worry if that same Lord wants me to convert, to go to heaven. its not like Hes waiting for me to make a move so that He can snap at me. as long as i try to feel true Perfect contrition, He will accept it, because im trying to.

 

[PJM]

=ATeutonicKnight;8163757]I have a hard time with Mortal Sin. I realize it’s bad, and I realize that when I commit one I completely cut off my relationship with God, but how does it affect him directly? What did I just do to him in human terms? Please, be as graphic as possible, because I want to know so I may attain Perfect Contrition easier. Also, are there any links that you have from apologists speaking about it? I prefer people such as Tim Staples, Father Corapi and Scott Hahn, so if you have anything from them I would appreciate it.

Thank you for your time.

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1:

God is PERFECT,

Nothing we can do can or does alter this FOR GOD.

Any Good and ALL the BAD effect us only. Is God aware: yes, Is God pleased or displeased? YES. BUT we cannot add to or take away anthing from God.

The sacraments are of and from God; BUT only we have the possibility of gaining from there use. Sin is destested by God but all of the effects of SIN are our BURDEN, not Gods.

Everything God does in reation to mankind is for our benefit or to our detriment. That is the function of our minds, intellects and freewill being permnantly unoted with our souls.

God Bless,
Pat

 

[Veridical16]

ATeutonicKnight,

This Homily from AirMaria is VERY helpful.

Mortal Sin & the Call to Salvation

youtube.com/watch?v=sFR76hs_f0k

(excerpted & paraphrased) "so often we hear, we are all sinners that is true. But we’re to understand that we’re all sinners that commit venial sins, have imperfections and defects and we should continue to strive to overcome them. But that doesn’t mean that we are to be MORTAL sinners. By the grace of God, we can and it IS possible for each and everyone of us to live a life free of Mortal sin.
He says “Mortal SIN is NOT the norm”

Watch the whole thing, there is so much more explanation about the effects of Mortal Sin. It may be difficult to hear for some because it’s easier to be nonchalant towards Mortal Sin as if it is easy to take lightly. Nevetheless, it is important knowledge and teaching compared to what we are used to hearing among the pulpits, in regard to our sanctification and our seriousness in practicing holiness.

Study St. Theresa of Avila & as the JR pointed out St. Catherine.

Nevetheless, Always trust in the Lord’s Mercy, it’s his will for repentance. And never despair. God gives us an escape, and delivers us , so we can avoid Mortal Sin.

Here is a second video:

Homily ,

youtube.com/watch?v=3hTVth1u7KQ
He quotes, St. Theresa of Avila

"the root of Mortal Sin, is a lack of faith . . .

This is not taught enough in our parishes, today. He concludes.* Keep the Commandments, all of them. *

 

[Bluegoat]

This seems like an odd question. You can’t “do” anything to God, you have no power over him.

Trying to make yourself feel bad about sins is just playing with your emotions, and can be dangerous. The point is to turn from sin, not to have a particular emotional reaction.

 

[Veridical16]

This seems like an odd question. You can’t “do” anything to God, you have no power over him.

Well, that’s besides the point. You can Offend God. You can reject his love. This isn’t some Philosophical thing that St. Augustine struggled when he dealt with Manichean heresies in trying to quantify God’s infiniteness. It’s all about his will.

It’s not about what we can DO to God, it is what we DO to the Love he offers freely and by rejecting it by weakness or bad will. Ultimately it’s what we DO to ourselves, and what God made US, as creatures for!! We are to please God. Therefore, we can go against pleasing HIM. We can’t hold such acts of the will as if God is held to a standard of what we see. It trying to plunge the infinite into the finite. Rather we understand loving God more, by plugging ourselves into the Infinite.

For instance, If we can imperfectly act towards those we can see, our loved ones. How can we do good will, towards the God we can’t see?
If we think about the little ones, we try not offend, so too we should treat avoiding SIN, for fear of offending the Perfect…By Keeping his commandments.

Trying to make yourself feel bad about sins is just playing with your emotions, and can be dangerous. The point is to turn from sin, not to have a particular emotional reaction.

I agree contrition is not dependent on emotional reactions. It is however an act of the WILL. Anthony V is correct. Nor should we think sentiments relate to one’s FAITH.

TO say trying to make yourself feel bad, is almost alluding to sentiments determining the repentance which leads to scrupulosity and a lack of Trust in God’s mercy. Rather it is better to WILL our return to God and have a proper interior disposition of the heart.

It is better to meditate on St. Peter and King David’s examples of repenting.
Your concerns however are misplaced because a penitent heart doesn’t have to try to feel bad. In realizing what one has done in rejection of the God who is all Good and Loving, it really does cut to the heart. The emotions are usually there. Peter wept bitterly.

Anyway, we shouldn’t think of loving God as WATCHING where we step. Rather we should think, if we seriously amend our lives to walk upright, it’s not about watching to NOT sin, it’s about following him. Where we should go, not watching where we step.

 

[KathySFSD]

Just an observation, but I believe one of the promises of the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows is to obtain true contrition. We can’t make ourselves feel anything, but we can pray for the wisdom and humility to see our sins as offensive as they truly are to God.

Peace,
Kathy

 

[Veridical16]

Just an observation, but I believe one of the promises of the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows is to obtain true contrition. **We can’t make ourselves feel anything, but we can pray for the wisdom and humility to see our sins as offensive as they truly are to God. **

Peace,
Kathy

Thanks Kathy, beautiful observation!

God Bless,

 

[puzzleannie]

I have a hard time with Mortal Sin. I realize it’s bad, and I realize that when I commit one I completely cut off my relationship with God, but how does it affect him directly? What did I just do to him in human terms?

prayer before a crucifix
if you can find a church with Hispanic heritage that has a very graphic one that is even better
if you can stomach it, watch The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson’s particularly violent but still underplayed depiction of how our sins hurt God.