Q. 1. What is the habitual sin?

A. 1. The habitual sin is a destructive behavior that is addictive, controlling, one that is always present.

Most of the time the sin remains in the dark and consequently the person experiences tremendous shame and guilt. Sometimes the sin even begins to define a person and becomes the main issue in his/her life. Habitual sin destroys you emotionally and spiritually.

The following are few examples of habitual sins:

• Alcohol and drug abuse.
• Anger outbursts.
• Gluttony (overeating).
• Gossiping.
• Lust (uncontrolled sexual desires).
• Masturbation.
• Pornography.
• Pre-marital sex.
• Sexual immorality (same-sex relationships, orgies, prostitution, etc...).
• Stealing.

Why is it called the habitual sin?

It is called the habitual sin because it has become a habit of committing that sin. You do it over and over again. You go to Confession and promise not to commit the sin again. Five days later, you are doing it again.

If you went to Confession with a sincere repentance, than you past sins were forgiven. If you confessed an habitual sin, such as adultery, and planned on returning into the same relationship that night, than your habitual sin was not forgiven. For true repentance was not present.

Symptoms of habitual sins:

• You feel like a failure. Because of your guilt, you want to give up on Jesus. You no longer go to Church, stop reading the Holy Bible and other uplifting spiritual material.

• Separation from God. Over time, because of your lack of time spent with God, you begin to feel that you are very far from Him.

• You feel unworthy: Because of your addiction to the habitual sin, you doubt that God can love a sinner like you. You feel unworthy of merciful God’s love. You fail to realize that Jesus came to save sinners, not the righteous.

• You are ashamed of your behavior. Your thoughts echo the biblical words of St. Paul where he says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” [Rom 7:15] “ For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing.” [Rom 7:18-19]

Failing to realize that you are not alone in this battle against the weak human nature, you keep your shame inside, refusing to share it with other.

• You are addicted to sin. Your habitual sin is no longer a passing event. It is constantly on your mind and you feel helpless against it.

How do you overcome the habitual sin?

The following 10 practices will help you to overcome your habitual sin.

• Praying on a daily basis.
• Mortification of the body. (Resisting your appetite to sin.)
• Open your heart to God’s grace.
• Devotion to the Virgin Mary. (Rosary.)
• Avoid the occasion of sin. (Stay away from it.)
• Maintaining custody of your eyes. (Look the other way.)
• Keep busy. (Start a hobby, get a job, join a group.)
• Think of the consequences of hell.
• Avoid depression. (Do not get discouraged - keep up the good fight.)
• Help other people to stop sinning.

What is the consequence of habitual sin?

There are numerous Bible passages on the subject of what awaits those who live a life of habitual sins. One such passage is Colossians 3:5-6 where it states:

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”