how to deal with mortal sin....

[Guest lostchild_6]

I have been in a committed relationship for over a year now. I am recently contemplating taking my faith and religion seriously. I am faced with past problems I never thought I had. My main problem is that I have committed mortal sin through, sins of the body. I am speaking of sex before marriage and masterbation. Some how I think I knew it was a sin but I never took it seriously. I have just recently discussed it with my b/f. We disagree on the topic. I could not defend my cause, I just know that it is the right way.

How do I go about resolving this dilemma? I want to go to confession but I will not go if I know that I will commit the same sin again. I do not want to belittle the sacrament of confession. I also know that I love my b/f and I do not want to end the relationship because of my religion. Some one give me some insight, please!

[Theologian in Training]

First of all know that if you approach the sacrament of Reconciliation with the desire and the resolve to not commit that sin anymore, that you will not "belittle" that sacrament. However, if you believe that you will commit the sin again, then you must speak with your boyfriend and let him know how you feel. I know that you say you did do this, however, perhaps you need to be more direct and forthright with him. Let him know your concerns and your desires and, if need be, entertain the idea of maybe taking a break.

Now, please do not misunderstand me, I am not telling you to break it off with him, even you said you cannot do that, but rather to take a break from the physical aspect of the relationship. Find something else to do with your time, something you can do together but that will not give you the opportunity to be focused on the sexual aspect of the relationship.

You really need to weigh your decisions carefully and think about what it is you want and need for both yourself and your relationship. In fact, I would encourage you to go to confession as soon as you feel strongly enough that the tone of the relationship will change. I would also encourage you to speak to a priest about this issue as soon as you can.

Hope that helps

God Bless