While walking the path of our life, we may experience some really strong temptations. The first human beings who experienced sin were Adam and Eve, who did not obey the Lord and were punished for this. The most famous sins may be summarized in the 7 Deadly Sins, which represent the worst behaviors and habits that humans should avoid to always accomplish with the holy Christian values, preached by Jesus and the prophets in the Bible.
Do you know which ones are they?
Discover it and learn how to fight them through faith.
What is Lust?
Lust consists in a feeling that physically alters the chemicals in our brains. It is related to the human instinct to procreate and it consists in an intense sexual desire for another person. It is the initial driving force that attracts us to a potential partner and it is strongly related to sin and the devil’s temptations. It is very easy to be influenced by this temptation, since it deeply belongs to human beings. Only the Holy Virgin, who was free from original sin (sine labe concepta), never felt this strong biological desire for St. Joseph. That is why, according to the Bible, She always maintained the appearance of a young woman, even in adulthood. In fact, in many popular representations, such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, her face appears young and completely free from the corruption of time.
How to fight Lust
Fighting human biological feelings is such a hard thing to do, but yet not impossible.
Do not feel guilty if sometimes you feel some sexual desire towards someone you really like and love. It is completely normal. The most important thing is to realize that you can fight this sinful desire with the help of your strong Catholic faith and your devotion to the Blessed Mother. Take Her as an example! Take a look at all the benefits she had in fighting lust.
If you cannot forgive yourself for your earthly desires, resort to the Sacrament of Confession: God does forgive His repented children.
What is Gluttony?
The sin of Gluttony is deeply linked to food and drinks and it is defined as the over-indulgence or lack of self-restraint in them. Many people are influenced by this sin, but you do not have to feel guilty if, from time to time, you treat yourself with an extra slice of pizza or cake. Temptation is inherent in human nature.
How to fight Gluttony
If you are looking for a way to fight Gluttony, try to think about Jesus and His disciples. Do you remember which food is the most deeply linked to Jesus? Bread (and fish), of course.
Bread is such a simple meal, very easy to prepare and made with essential ingredients that almost everyone can find in nature. Bread is also the symbol of humility and austerity and, for this reason, it is opposed to the sin of Gluttony. Sometimes there is no need to treat ourselves with some special tasty food. Think about the poorest people on earth, who can barely get fed every day. Think about how lucky you are for all the different types of food you can have, compared to the poor. Thinking of the less fortunate and depriving oneself of delicacies is also an act of generosity and altruism.
What is Greed?
Greed consists in a selfish and excessive desire for more of something that is needed. It can be about money, wealth, power, food or social status. It is very easy to commit this sin, since it can happen if we do not realize how lucky we are in life.
How to fight Greed
If you think that fighting Greed may be difficult, you probably did not consider doing it with faith, following the teachings of Christ. When you desire, for example, more money and wealth than what you already have to be fully happy, think about those people who do not have anything in their pockets. Think about all the homeless in the world, the poor people in Africa and the poorest countries in the world. Most of them do not have anything, but always keep smiling, because life is beautiful and we really need a few things to be happy, such as a loving family and good health. You will soon realize that you do not need that much to be fully satisfied with your life and what you already own.
What is Sloth?
Sloth consists in a disinclination to action and labor. It can happen sometimes to feel lazy or tired of working and doing things. You do not have to feel guilty for this, since it can be linked to rest (even God rested on the seventh day, when he created the earth!). The most important thing is not to make it a habit!
How to fight Sloth
Wondering how to defeat Sloth through faith?
Take St. Joseph as a model: beside being the putative father of Jesus, he was such a hard worker, who constantly dedicated part of his days to carpentry, in order to feed his family. Furthermore, the ancient Roman author Appius Claudius Caecus used to say Homo faber fortunae suae (every man is the creator of his destiny). Working and having an active approach to life will make you the creator of your (beautiful) destiny. So, do not waste your time!
What is Wrath?
Wrath can be summarized as strong vengeful hatred or resentment and can lead us to act irrationally and immorally. It is such a common sin that many of us can experience in our daily life. The worst thing about it is that usually it is addressed to another person who has no fault. It is very important to recognize Wrath on time, in order to avoid fights and misunderstandings, especially with our loved ones.
How to fight Wrath
If you feel very angry with someone, take a moment to think and reflect on it. Consider the situation from a different point of view and do not be impulsive. Take Jesus as a model. He was betrayed by one of His twelve Apostles and then led to the Calvary, but He did not feel angry with Judas, since it was in God’s plans. He forgave and asked the Lord to do the same. He never felt angry with someone; on the contrary, He was very empathetic and understanding in life. Try to do the same! You will notice the difference and, for sure, you will have a more peaceful life.
What is Envy?
Envy consists in a painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with a desire to possess the same advantage. This Deadly Sin is kind of linked to Greed, in a certain way. For example, seeing someone who has more money than you may cause a sense of envy towards that person (and then wanting more money too!).
How to fight Envy
Need some advice to defeat this Deadly Sin?
First of all, do not look at those who are enjoying an advantage. Look at the less fortunate and be humble. There is no need to have something that other people have. Do you remember the 10 Commandments? One of them says “You shall not cover”. It refers to Exodus 20,17:
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's”.
Desiring other people’s things and wealth is a Deadly Sin which can corrupt your soul and lead you to damnation. Keep this commandment in mind!
What is Pride? (also known as Superbia or Vanity)
Pride is probably the original and most serious of the Seven Deadly Sins on almost every list. It consists in excessive belief in one’s own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. Pride is what usually people feel when they are extremely aware of their abilities. Its contrary is humility, and that is what all Christians should aim to do.
How to fight Pride?
Wondering how to fight Vanity?
Take St. Augustine of Hippo as an example. He used to say:
“It was Pride that changed angels into devils;
it is humility that makes men as angels”.
Remember that it is humility that makes a man noble and open to others.
If you want some advice about how to grow in humility and honesty, take a look at these 3 tips.
Beside behaving in the opposite way, you can fight the 7 Deadly Sins through prayer.
There is no better tool of prayer than a rosary.
What about this pearl beads rosary for your daily prayers?
The white freshwater pearls symbolize purity, innocence and forgiveness. Get yourself inspired by this handmade rosary from the Vatican and boost your strong Catholic faith.
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3 tips for growing in humility and honesty→
How faith can help us to forgive→