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Catholic Q&A

Sin and Mercy

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Can any sin really be forgiven?

Sin and Mercy

Yes — there is no sin so big that God cannot forgive it. His mercy is greater than every evil we could ever commit. When Scripture speaks of a sin that "will…

How does God forgive sin?

Sin and Mercy

God forgives sin freely and completely through the mercy he won for us in Jesus Christ. He doesn't simply overlook sin from a distance; he reaches into it,…

What is an examination of conscience?

Sin and Mercy

An examination of conscience is a prayerful, honest look back over our lives — or our day — to see where we've loved well and where we've fallen short, done in…

What is conversion (repentance)?

Sin and Mercy

Conversion, or repentance, is a genuine turning of the whole person back toward God — a change of heart that reshapes how we think, what we love, and how we…

What is mortal sin?

Sin and Mercy

A mortal sin is a serious choice that turns a person away from God so completely that it cuts off the relationship — it "kills" the life of grace in the soul.…

What is original sin?

Sin and Mercy

Original sin is the wounded condition every human being is born into because of the first turning-away from God at the dawn of the human family. It is not a…

What is sin?

Sin and Mercy

Sin is a free choice to turn away from God and his love, putting something else in his place. It is more than breaking a rule — it wounds our friendship with…

What is temptation, and is temptation itself a sin?

Sin and Mercy

Temptation is the pull toward sin — an enticement, suggestion, or desire that invites us to choose against God. By itself, temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus…

What is venial sin?

Sin and Mercy

A venial sin is a real but lesser wrong that weakens our relationship with God without breaking it. It happens when the matter is not grave, or when we lack…