God knows that I needed to hear this today. I woke up yesterday just a spiritual mess and I couldn’t understand it. I took some consolation in what some of the saints have said about how you can feel like you’re not progressing in holiness but in some other areas, you are. This has been uplifting to my soul. To remind myself to be patient and understand that I am in training.
My harshness doesn't usually come in the form of anger, but in extreme sorrow, almost to the point of despair. Maybe that is anger in a certain way? Idk. Anyhow, I think one of my main problems is the impatience that living a virtuous life takes. As Matt said, it doesn't get solved all at once: my first experience (I can remember with pornography) happened when I was in 4th grade and I am now almost 26. But, I believe that the grace of God has been moving me, at least since late high school and early college, to be better at this. Some days/weeks/months are easier than others, but an idea that I have been really trying to instill in myself is "if I take one step backwards, let's take two forwards." And God knows. He does. He sees all things and I truly hope that, if I still am struggling with when I die, that He will see that I have always tried to hold Him first above all things and to do His will and, when I have fallen, I have trusted in Him and returned to Him via Confession and (as always) the Eucharist. On another note, I like what Matt said about the phones: that is personally the reason why I went back to a flip phone when I was in college. It was a little hard, but I still have my ways of listening to music (main reason why I had a smartphone to begin with). In the end, I believe it was an important step in the right direction. People comment that I'll let the world go around me, but I say that I don't live for the world, I live for Christ. Sorry if this has been a little long and preachy at all (I'm a teacher, so I guess I got into my "zone" here), but I pray that if you are reading this, something will help you. God bless you all! -F.C.
That's a very nice and intelligent insight. I didn't think harshness also comes in the form of making oneself sorrowful. I will pray for you too friend. Let's continue to trust in Jesus to combat this harshness.. I once prayed to Jesus to teach me to trust, and I think my recent emotional struggles are trying to teach me that. Please pray for me too!
struggled from about age 8 to present (48). I've completed Strive and occasionally still fall. Only through conversion to the Catholic Church and the sacrament of confession have i been able to be kinder to myself. That doesn't mean i don't fall or struggle or beat myself up over it, i do. but confession and penance and the hope that i will (& it will) get better does help. Thanks matt for your efforts to combat this. it is a scourge on humanity.
Keep trusting in the sacraments, they are a gift. The gentle understanding of Christs envoy can work miracles in the heart. God bless you in your victory!
I'm not Catholic, but Christ and changed me so much. I confess often and that has helped me. God has also been super clear with me what I need to do. I'm going to be getting a flip phone in about a month, so that should be helpful too.
Thanks Matt. This helps a lot. In all things, being patient with one's self whilst believing in God would help. And this would influence how we'll relate with others. Love your neighbour as yourself. Thanks once again
Thanks Matt. I'm glad I was recommended this channel (subscribed to both this and Pints). I feel like I got more out of this 16.5 minute video than I have in the past 2 months when I officially began taking steps in my now 6-month long battle. Maybe it's because I have bias towards the Catholic faith and advice, but St. Francis De Sallies and you explained it better than a month of infrequent 12-Step meetings and counseling.
This reminds me of something Jordan Peterson has said-that you should treat yourself like someone you care about. Additionally, would it be fair to say that this idea of treating yourself with charity is a development of doctrine in the Church? Thanks
I personally feel anxious, preocuppied, so bad. I try to be gentle with myself but I don't know if I have some sort of psychological thing, that I even doubt and wonder: did I really fight? Do I really want to stop this? Sometimes I think that I do not, and I'm afraid because if that is the case, then I'm not repenting nor achieving forgiveness. So this doubts, can be solved? Can I do something to actually want to do his will, and not mine? Can I do something about what my heart longs for? If I can manage to really want him, and therefore truly repent, that would be, my salvation. The thing is that I'm not even sure if that's my current case, or if I do repent and truly want to change, I guess I'm filled with insecurities, fear and maybe some sort of OCD. Thanks in advance for whoever took the time to read this, any help, experience or opinion is appreciated!
I'm not replying to very many comments right now, but I feel led to do so to yours. I've felt the same way, and still do at times. But, we mustn't only be gentle with ourselves, say sorry, and do the same things over and over without taking any action. I've had to get incredibly practical with this. Prayer, church, meditating on the Word are all very important, but we have to get to the point where we're willing to make sacrifices in order to see freedom from these things. I myself am still struggling to an extent, but am making great progress! Is there anything practical you can do to see this lessened in your life? For me, God led me to get a flip phone last May and that has helped a ton. Also, putting your energy from massive temptation into something productive has also been helpful. I will be praying for you on your journey!! It's long and hard, but it will be worth it!
@@abbykittle5058 You are 100% right, thank you so much for your comment I truly appreciate it. I will be praying for you too, one thing that is really helping me is the Theology of the Body by John Paul II (and the ToB Institute channel here on UA-cam), I understand you may not be catholic, but regardless of religion, I believe it's a great resource that I feel called to recommend to anyone struggling. God bless! And thanks again Abby. 😁
@@mcj2024 I'm not Catholic, in fact, I don't even affiliate with a denomination right now. It's been tough for me to go to church because of health issues. It's truly a miracle that I'm in the spot I am right now as I've been lonely, but thank God for my relationship with Him and with friends online. And, you're welcome. God is on the move and is working in all of us!
@@mcj2024 Please pray for me. I'm having a rough afternoon. I'm in therapy, which is helping, but I'm having a ton of flashbacks of trauma. I know God is helping and healing me.
I'm 33 going on to 34 this year, I wish I had overcome porn years ago. I'm getting to the point where why bother fighting this vice if I'm still falling, I threw my best years indulging in this vice.
I'm with you. I'm only a few years younger than you, and I'm still struggling as well. But, we must never give up. Each of our journeys are different. Remember, we must flee sexual temptation, not fight it. This temptation is way too strong to fight it. We have to let God fight for us in this. And, practically speaking, we have to be open to God's voice and the voice of others. For me, Covenant Eyes made things worse, it doesn't help everyone. But, God has so clearly told me to get a flip phone and not have a smart phone with full access to the internet. So, I pray God carries you through this struggle. You can do it! 🙏
Struggling for all those years must be Hard, but You Still have your life ahead of You and it deserves to be lived Well! You can be Free and so so happy! I promise you you can. We can do all Things in God. And One day it Will seem odd to you to remember You ever strugled in the first place. It may sound imposible now but it can happen, it happended to me. Im praying for You! May our mercufull God lead us closer to Him. Let all those Who struggle know that they are loved by Him. Amen
@@milagroscapomasi8525 Preach! A few of my friends are out of it, others are making great progress, and yet others are struggling even more. But, there is always hope, even for the one struggling continuously. The hope of Christ is so much brighter than the darkness of porn. We must remember just how powerful our God is. He wants us to be free of these things, and will work with us in the struggle. Failing forward is the way out. It's a day by day process that will lead to more freedom!
God knows that I needed to hear this today. I woke up yesterday just a spiritual mess and I couldn’t understand it. I took some consolation in what some of the saints have said about how you can feel like you’re not progressing in holiness but in some other areas, you are. This has been uplifting to my soul. To remind myself to be patient and understand that I am in training.
Thank you Matt. St. Francis de Sales please pray for me as I struggle.
Heard great news. Arkansas just passed a ID law on viewing pornography. It'll help so many people. Keep up the great work Matt.
😎
My harshness doesn't usually come in the form of anger, but in extreme sorrow, almost to the point of despair. Maybe that is anger in a certain way? Idk. Anyhow, I think one of my main problems is the impatience that living a virtuous life takes. As Matt said, it doesn't get solved all at once: my first experience (I can remember with pornography) happened when I was in 4th grade and I am now almost 26. But, I believe that the grace of God has been moving me, at least since late high school and early college, to be better at this. Some days/weeks/months are easier than others, but an idea that I have been really trying to instill in myself is "if I take one step backwards, let's take two forwards." And God knows. He does. He sees all things and I truly hope that, if I still am struggling with when I die, that He will see that I have always tried to hold Him first above all things and to do His will and, when I have fallen, I have trusted in Him and returned to Him via Confession and (as always) the Eucharist. On another note, I like what Matt said about the phones: that is personally the reason why I went back to a flip phone when I was in college. It was a little hard, but I still have my ways of listening to music (main reason why I had a smartphone to begin with). In the end, I believe it was an important step in the right direction. People comment that I'll let the world go around me, but I say that I don't live for the world, I live for Christ. Sorry if this has been a little long and preachy at all (I'm a teacher, so I guess I got into my "zone" here), but I pray that if you are reading this, something will help you. God bless you all!
-F.C.
That's a very nice and intelligent insight. I didn't think harshness also comes in the form of making oneself sorrowful. I will pray for you too friend. Let's continue to trust in Jesus to combat this harshness.. I once prayed to Jesus to teach me to trust, and I think my recent emotional struggles are trying to teach me that. Please pray for me too!
prayers for you
struggled from about age 8 to present (48). I've completed Strive and occasionally still fall. Only through conversion to the Catholic Church and the sacrament of confession have i been able to be kinder to myself. That doesn't mean i don't fall or struggle or beat myself up over it, i do. but confession and penance and the hope that i will (& it will) get better does help. Thanks matt for your efforts to combat this. it is a scourge on humanity.
prayers for you
Keep trusting in the sacraments, they are a gift. The gentle understanding of Christs envoy can work miracles in the heart. God bless you in your victory!
Please pray for me jason for conversion and salvation and holiness and healing of my wounds are memories.,..
prayers for you
God bless you and your family Matt. You will never know just how God is working through you and your ministries
One thing that has helped me is that whenever I am tempted to tell myself that God has something better for me.
good
This is based Content. Thanks for the link to strive 21 I'll be sure to check it out.
be gentle, yet seek a remedy every day..
I'm not Catholic, but Christ and changed me so much. I confess often and that has helped me. God has also been super clear with me what I need to do. I'm going to be getting a flip phone in about a month, so that should be helpful too.
hey. good for you!
Thanks Matt. This helps a lot. In all things, being patient with one's self whilst believing in God would help. And this would influence how we'll relate with others. Love your neighbour as yourself. Thanks once again
yes
Thanks Matt. I'm glad I was recommended this channel (subscribed to both this and Pints).
I feel like I got more out of this 16.5 minute video than I have in the past 2 months when I officially began taking steps in my now 6-month long battle. Maybe it's because I have bias towards the Catholic faith and advice, but St. Francis De Sallies and you explained it better than a month of infrequent 12-Step meetings and counseling.
he is very good it's true
Thank for this, Matt. I needed it today.
This reminds me of something Jordan Peterson has said-that you should treat yourself like someone you care about. Additionally, would it be fair to say that this idea of treating yourself with charity is a development of doctrine in the Church? Thanks
well said
It'd be an honor to be the first to like your video... better luck next time. This time I was 8th
🥈 is still good my friend! Keep working at it!☦️
I personally feel anxious, preocuppied, so bad. I try to be gentle with myself but I don't know if I have some sort of psychological thing, that I even doubt and wonder: did I really fight? Do I really want to stop this? Sometimes I think that I do not, and I'm afraid because if that is the case, then I'm not repenting nor achieving forgiveness.
So this doubts, can be solved? Can I do something to actually want to do his will, and not mine? Can I do something about what my heart longs for? If I can manage to really want him, and therefore truly repent, that would be, my salvation.
The thing is that I'm not even sure if that's my current case, or if I do repent and truly want to change, I guess I'm filled with insecurities, fear and maybe some sort of OCD.
Thanks in advance for whoever took the time to read this, any help, experience or opinion is appreciated!
I'm not replying to very many comments right now, but I feel led to do so to yours. I've felt the same way, and still do at times. But, we mustn't only be gentle with ourselves, say sorry, and do the same things over and over without taking any action. I've had to get incredibly practical with this. Prayer, church, meditating on the Word are all very important, but we have to get to the point where we're willing to make sacrifices in order to see freedom from these things. I myself am still struggling to an extent, but am making great progress! Is there anything practical you can do to see this lessened in your life? For me, God led me to get a flip phone last May and that has helped a ton. Also, putting your energy from massive temptation into something productive has also been helpful. I will be praying for you on your journey!! It's long and hard, but it will be worth it!
@@abbykittle5058 You are 100% right, thank you so much for your comment I truly appreciate it. I will be praying for you too, one thing that is really helping me is the Theology of the Body by John Paul II (and the ToB Institute channel here on UA-cam), I understand you may not be catholic, but regardless of religion, I believe it's a great resource that I feel called to recommend to anyone struggling.
God bless! And thanks again Abby. 😁
@@mcj2024 I'm not Catholic, in fact, I don't even affiliate with a denomination right now. It's been tough for me to go to church because of health issues. It's truly a miracle that I'm in the spot I am right now as I've been lonely, but thank God for my relationship with Him and with friends online. And, you're welcome. God is on the move and is working in all of us!
@@mcj2024 Please pray for me. I'm having a rough afternoon. I'm in therapy, which is helping, but I'm having a ton of flashbacks of trauma. I know God is helping and healing me.
@@abbykittle5058 Will do Abby 🙏
Gentile 😂
Be Gentile About Your Struggle
I'm 33 going on to 34 this year, I wish I had overcome porn years ago. I'm getting to the point where why bother fighting this vice if I'm still falling, I threw my best years indulging in this vice.
I'm with you. I'm only a few years younger than you, and I'm still struggling as well. But, we must never give up. Each of our journeys are different. Remember, we must flee sexual temptation, not fight it. This temptation is way too strong to fight it. We have to let God fight for us in this. And, practically speaking, we have to be open to God's voice and the voice of others. For me, Covenant Eyes made things worse, it doesn't help everyone. But, God has so clearly told me to get a flip phone and not have a smart phone with full access to the internet. So, I pray God carries you through this struggle. You can do it! 🙏
have hope
Struggling for all those years must be Hard, but You Still have your life ahead of You and it deserves to be lived Well! You can be Free and so so happy! I promise you you can. We can do all Things in God. And One day it Will seem odd to you to remember You ever strugled in the first place. It may sound imposible now but it can happen, it happended to me. Im praying for You! May our mercufull God lead us closer to Him. Let all those Who struggle know that they are loved by Him. Amen
@@milagroscapomasi8525 Preach! A few of my friends are out of it, others are making great progress, and yet others are struggling even more. But, there is always hope, even for the one struggling continuously. The hope of Christ is so much brighter than the darkness of porn. We must remember just how powerful our God is. He wants us to be free of these things, and will work with us in the struggle. Failing forward is the way out. It's a day by day process that will lead to more freedom!