Why Do You Keep Falling Into the Same Sin?

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Why do we keep struggling with the same sins even when we sincerely want to stop? Catholic theology calls part of this struggle concupiscence—the wounded inclination toward sin that remains in human nature as a consequence of original sin. Concupiscence itself is not sin. Temptation is not the same as consenting to temptation. But the battle is real. Our eyes, appetites, desires, curiosity, sexuality, desire for comfort, and other passions can become disordered and begin pulling us away from God. That's why traditional Catholic spirituality emphasizes prayer, fasting, penance, mortification, custody of the eyes, avoiding near occasions of sin, and frequent Confession. Baptism removes original sin. It doesn't remove the battle. And when you fall, don't surrender. Repent. Go to Confession. Get back into a state of grace. Learn what leads you into sin—and fight again. Concupiscence is real. But grace is stronger. Subscribe to Catholic Voices and Prayers for daily Catholic truth, traditional devotions, the Holy Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Saint Michael Chaplet, and prayers to help you remain faithful.