Why is worrying and anxiety considered a sin?

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I think it speaks - of - a lack of trust - in God.

Also, way too much trust in oneself.
 
Remember that even Mary and Joseph suffered anxiety–at least during the Finding in the Temple event and no doubt many other times. It is not a sin in itself, but part of this life in which we suffer often. However, to willfully persist in it and dwell on the self is lack of trust in God and, as said above, Jesus called worry “pointless.” Most people hate to do something utterly futile.
 
Jesus didn’t say this to make you feel even worse and that was a sin per se. He said it more positively: So that we can be at peace.
 
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Worry and anxiety are not sins. We can’t always control what we think and feel. I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder and while I have control over what I do and how I respond to that I can’t control all of the feelings, thoughts and physical symptoms that often rush in.

I trust completely in God and understand that what I am going through may be a part of his plan for me and he’s seen me through things far harder than this before so I will just walk through this and trust in whatever his will is for me. But that doesn’t mean that I can take away my feelings.

I can literally be quite happily reading a book one moment and the next having a panic attack completely out of the blue. Trying to control that nearly destroyed me, now I just accept that moment and all the feelings it contains and wait for it to pass then move forward.

God loves you more than words can express, he would never consider your humanness and vulnerability a sin (I believe).
 
Worrying in itself is not a sin…but what you do after the worrying can be. For instance what happens when you worry? Do you take your worries to God in prayer like the Bible says we should 1 Peter 5:7 ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’ ? and recognise that you are small weak and miserable and can do nothing without God and so ask for his assistance in prayer and turn to Him, Mary and the saints for assistance. Do you go to church? seek counsel from your priest or our trusted friends in your parish? make use of the sacraments? go to Adoration? pray the rosary or use other sacramentals.
If you turn to God in these ways or simple prayer at home alone. Then no of course worry isn’t a sin and what is more it won’t lead to them either. But if you turn from God because of your worry then it can lead to sin. This is the danger of worry and what makes people think it is a sin. It is not, but it can lead to despair and despondency which are gateways that allow the devil to work his wily ways in and then sin is not far behind. So if you want to make sure to avoid sin when you worry, because you will, do as Our Lord has advised and take your cares to Him.
 
Think of your worries not as sin but as energy. Channeling that energy into constructive action often eliminates the worry and creates new possibilities. Fear is a natural motivator. Confronting it, using it, and mastering it is the doorway to accomplishing many good things in life.
 
It’s a lack of trust in God, providence, and often leads to despondency, despair, paralysis. I don’t think that is what life should be about, though anxiety is often a very natural, reasonable reaction to a wide variety of experiences one could possibly undergo or is undergoing in life. All the same it is always counterproductive. I can’t think of a single good thing that has ever come to me from worrying, either when the worrying was justified or the many more times when it was not.
 
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margaret42 said:
Maybe what you’re saying is that “worrying” is useless activity; and that would be a sin. It takes your mind off of God, and don’t feel at peace?
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This is true, it is not “seek first the Kingdom” and trusting that all you need will be added to you. It robs the faithful of Kingdom living, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Worry is an expression of fear, and perfect love casts out all fear, so it is evidence that one is imperfect in love of Christ, and being loved by Him.
Jump4Joy said:
Like worrying about your life.
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There are times when anxiety is a sign that something is out of order in your life. In that case, it is very spiritually healthy to have “worry”. This could also be the “fear of the Lord” which is the beginning of wisdom.

The Holy Spirit may speak to us through our anxiety, to let us know that something needs attention.
 
If worrying about life is a sin then I’m a bigger sinner than Genghis Khan and Adolf Hitler combined. You’re fine, there’s nothing sinful about having worries or fears.
 
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Jesus told us not to worry. Period. You cannot make one hair white or black. Take no concern - for the morrow. I feel bad for you Marcus.
 
The CAF bot just criticized me for posting this: Add it to the list of things that we pray over.
 
@jump4joy ,

It’s a natural part of parenthood to worry for their children and it’s one way they show us love.
In a way,we are blessed that we have parents that worry for us as some people don’t have that good relationship or have dysfunctional ones with their parents.

Are you referring to general worry such as being concerned you are safe on the road for example or do you mean something more excessive/intrusive?
 
Rozellelily said:
Are you referring to general worry such as being concerned you are safe on the road for example or do you mean something more excessive/intrusive?
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If you read some of the threads/posts of this member it will become clear.
 
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