Question About Sexual Sin

[OnlySunshine]

First off, thank you for answering my previous question. I have another one that is weighing on my mind.

A few nights ago, I found myself having sexual thoughts. I've had this problem in the past because of previous problems with chastity which I've been working hard to overcome. Most times, I pray and change my thoughts to something more chaste. I tried to do that this time, but it didn't happen. I did not try to entertain these thoughts or try expound on them--I rather waited for the thoughts to end. Unfortunately, though, I noticed myself becoming aroused and immediately changed what I was doing. I feel that because I didn't consent to the thoughts since they were involuntary, that I did not commit a mortal sin, but I don't want to have the sin of presuming God's mercy if I'm wrong. I may just be scrupulous, but I would rather be safe than sorry, if that makes any sense. Thanks in advance.

Edited August 15, 2011 by Lil Red

[CatherineM]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1310077427' post='2264139']
First off, thank you for answering my previous question. I have another one that is weighing on my mind.

A few nights ago, I found myself having sexual thoughts. I've had this problem in the past because of previous problems with chastity which I've been working hard to overcome. Most times, I pray and change my thoughts to something more chaste. I tried to do that this time, but it didn't happen. I did not try to entertain these thoughts or try expound on them--I rather waited for the thoughts to end. Unfortunately, though, I noticed myself becoming aroused and immediately changed what I was doing. I feel that because I didn't consent to the thoughts since they were involuntary, that I did not commit a mortal sin, but I don't want to have the sin of presuming God's mercy if I'm wrong. I may just be scrupulous, but I would rather be safe than sorry, if that makes any sense. Thanks in advance.
[/quote]
Humans can't avoid having thoughts come into our heads. So long as you did not act on the thoughts, or encourage them, or consciously try to have them in the first place, you're okay. Those who are prone to having trouble with them should avoid reading or watching something that might bring the thoughts on, just like we should avoid people who might lead us to sin. Getting the thoughts out once they have begun can be hard. Sometimes it might be easier than at other times. Everyone has different ways that they deal with it. I've heard people talking about thinking about dead kittens or dead grandparents. Some people exercise or go for a run or take cold showers. Go with what works.