Why Do I Keep Confessing the Same Sins?

Have you ever gone to confession only to find yourself confessing the same sins again? If you genuinely want to change, why do you keep falling into the same temptations? In this episode of Godsplaining, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph-Anthony discuss what it really means to have a firm purpose of amendment, why struggling with habitual sin doesn't necessarily mean your confession was insincere, and how God's grace helps us grow in holiness. Drawing on their experiences as confessors, the friars explore the difference between temptation and sin, the importance of genuine contrition, and why spiritual growth often happens gradually rather than through dramatic transformations. They also share practical advice for making lasting changes after confession, including how to approach temptation one day at a time, develop virtue, and avoid discouragement when progress feels slow. Enjoy 15% off your purchase from the Catholic Woodworker with code GODSPLAINING, through November 2026. For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker, shop here: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic Join the men of Exodus 90, Dr. John Bergsma, and Bishop Andrew Cozzens for a new Exodus 90 challenge starting January 11. Learn more: https://exodus90.com/godsplaining Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph-Anthony in Pittsburgh, PA on Nov. 21st for a Day of Recollection! Learn more and register here: https://godsplaining.org/thy-will-be-done-a-day-of-recollection-in-pittsburgh-pa/ Send your questions for the friars to: godsplaining@opeast.org Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining Shop merch: https://godsplaining.org/store/ Shop Books Written by the Friars Justice: Judge Rightly, Give Freely: https://amzn.to/4r1rc2l O Sacred Banquet: Exploring the Eucharistic Mystery with Saint Thomas Aquinas: https://amzn.to/4xJz1MF Witness: https://amzn.to/4hgfmOC Training the Tongue: https://amzn.to/4hilfLa Your Eucharistic Identity: https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101879094-17193693 St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://amzn.to/4ijPWkm Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://amzn.to/4zZjH04 Connect on Social Media Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godsplaining/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godsplaining/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/godsplaining To learn more about the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.opeast.org To support the Province of St. Joseph visit: www.dominicanfriars.org