We are all sinners. This is true. May this fact be an apology and abatement for us to repeat our sins? No! Apostle Paul says, "I am trying to reach perfection but I have not reached it yet." The essence is "I am trying to reach." This means I am continually working to reach perfection.
If people seriously and continuously attempt to stay in a sinless state and they do not succeed; they should have faith and trust in God's grace, which will lead them again into a new beginning. To be truly sorry and to receive the sacrament of reconciliation are special graces from God that bring peace to the soul.
How can people protect themselves from falling into the same sin again?
If a person sins together with another person or persons, one should, after his conversion and sacrament of reconciliation, tell his accomplices that he will sin no more.
After experiencing the grace of God it is necessary to move from the near occasion of sin and to keep avoiding the person or person that would try to lead one into sin once more.
Should one flee from such a person? No! But one should stay a safe distance from them, so that there won't be any occasion of enticement or persuasion into sinning. At eventual unexpected encounters one should greet the person properly, say as little as possible and leave. Also calling on the phone, sending greeting cards and such can lead into temptation and into repeated sin.
How can one manage all this especially if he or she is emotionally attached to this person? How can one renounce him or her if one could gain profits or benefits in the society or at work from sinning?
Most of the time one does not have the strength in him or herself to do this, especially when one in any way depends on the person or social group that one sinned with. But one is able to overcome everything in Him that gives one strength - that is in the Triune God. Endeavor for a new life in accordance with the principles of the Gospel and prayer are the sources of strength.
One has to also reject all hints or invitations to take part in sinning regardless the benefits promised.
It is not rare that seductive looks, touching, secret or public kisses with the excuse that these are signs of friendship or even of brotherhood in faith cause repeats in sin.
Therefore, when one sins with a person or a social group, and by the grace of reconciliation with God experiences true repentance with a firm resolve that he will try not to sin again, one should be on guard against all occasions for repeated sins and should also pray a lot for that. An old saying goes, "It is better to prevent than to cure."
The Queen of Peace once said, "I, your mother, am purity. I want to help you not to fall into sin again and protect you against dangerous companions. I will guard your purity and your faithfulness in marriage. Remain my children and do not be afraid!"
Father France Spelic - August 31st 1999