One of the holy fathers gave a clear and precise definition of sin: it is an act about which you know that it is bad, and from which you can refrain. Gluttony, pride, vanity, laziness - this is not a complete list of sins. Dealing with them is not so easy. In order not to repeat them, constant inner work is necessary.
Instructions
Step 1
Learn to notice your flaws - it's much more difficult than condemning someone else's bad deeds. Take care of the salvation of your own soul, and, as St. Seraphim Sarovsky, "Thousands will be saved around you." The Christian path is constant moral work.
Step 2
The sacrament of repentance will help to look into oneself. Sincere repentance is the path to salvation. It turns out to be corrected easily and quickly - no one has succeeded yet. Through the sacrament of repentance, you will receive forgiveness and relief from spiritual suffering. Faith will give strength to overcome your own weaknesses, and confession and communion will cleanse the soul from sins. Repentance without actively working on yourself will only aggravate the sin.
Step 3
Prayer is another way to fight sinful desires and thoughts. The strict beauty of the liturgy in Church Slavonic is not immediately perceived by ear. Find on the Internet the texts of services translated into modern Russian and read them carefully. It is much easier to pray if you understand the meaning of the prayers.
Step 4
Try to fast as much as possible. This is not just abstinence from food, but constant work on yourself. However, remember that if you fast without a spiritual purpose, it will give you nothing but weight loss.
Step 5
Help people who need it. Active charity is the path to the salvation of the soul. Read the Gospels at least a chapter a day. They have everything a Christian should strive for.
Step 6
Feel free to ask forgiveness from those you have offended. Try to be discreet and judicious in any situation. It is in your power to restrain anger and irritation, not to give vent to the desire to "express the whole truth in the face" of your offender. Get distracted, calm down, and bad thoughts will leave you, not finding a response in your soul. Read the "Softening Evil Hearts" prayer to deal with strong emotions.
Step 7
Tune in to constant inner work. Because the expectation of an immediate result can plunge the soul into despair. Remember that you must tirelessly work on yourself, and the result, although it will not come immediately, will certainly come if you are firm in your intention.
