Sexually arousing thoughts that a person may not deliberately entertain because they lead to the sinful desire to commit adultery, fornication, masturbation, or homosexuality.
An impure thought can be of a sexual nature, or just something that causes you to be aroused, they are sexually arousing thoughts, not necessarily "sexual" in themselves. But it's not a sin to have those thoughts until you recognize and give into them, because, especially nowadays, it's easy for those thoughts to pop into your mind, and that's really just the temptation to sin, and not the sin itself, it becomes a sin only when you willingly give into it.
A good way to flee from impure thoughts and get them out of your mind, is to say some prayers as soon as you see the temptation, the ones I always recommend are "precious blood of Jesus Christ, wash over me, protect me from the wickedness and snared of the devil." And then right after that "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Saint Maria Goretti, Guardian Angel, help me."
And then immediately think of something else, something you enjoy very much that is not immoral, or if that doesn't seem to work (although it almost always does) then try to distract yourself some other way, such as calling someone on the phone or just finding someone in the house to talk to...but if it's something around you that is causing the impure thoughts, then you must remove yourself from that thing, and avoid it at all cost in the future, whether it's a site you go to, or a TV show, or some book or magazine, whatever it may be, you are obligated to avoid whatever leads you into mortal sin, which is what the church calls "occasions of sin".
Another good way to strengthen yourself against thoughts of impurity is to confess even your temptation to those thoughts in the confessional, and by doing that you will gain special graces to really knock the wind out of its sales, and you'll just become stronger against it.
The best things you can do with this sin is pray, go to confession, and go to communion, never neglect prayer, because it's by neglecting to pray immediately that we give in, and when you receive Jesus in the Eucharist, remember then especially to ask for a remedy for the sin of lust in your heart and mind, along with your other more dominant vices.
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Q: Why is the Catholic Faith so strict? In the matter of serving God, it is instructed that impure thoughts create sins in every day journey. Why can’t we allow our minds to be free as long as we do not act out every fantasy? I do notice that the mind, unchecked can come up with the strangest of science. But why should I not be able to let my mind be free in its own process? Please help.
A: The Catholic Church has high standards because its standards are God’s own standards. As a faithful Christian, temptation is supposed to strengthen you … not lead you astray. Giving in to lustful thoughts leads you in the wrong direction, even if you don’t act on every fantasy. It’s a lot like fasting from food. Denying some of your more basic urges permits you to master them … hopefully … for the greater glory of God.
Fortunately, the sacraments of the Catholic church are powerful enough to reconcile a person with God, no matter how badly … or how often … they might fail.
The whole idea is to attempt to gradually approach the perfection of Heaven … so when you die … you’re ready.
So … along with faith, hope and charity … your own personal orientation or spiritual “disposition” may be one of the most critical factors, come Judgment Day.
The term “disciple” comes from the word “discipline”.
That … along with God’s grace … is what it takes to reject Satan … and ALL his works.
The (4) traditional solutions to the problem of harboring impure thoughts:
1) Get married.
2) Keep busy.
3) Avoid known temptations.
4) Make up your mind well in advance, to do all of this. Then stick to your plan.
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