One of the Holy Fathers gave a clear and precise definition of sin: this is an act about which you know that it is bad, and from which you can refrain. Gluttony, pride, vanity, laziness are far from a complete list of sins. Dealing with them is not so easy. In order not to repeat them, constant internal work is necessary.
Instruction manual
1
Learn to notice your flaws - it is much more difficult than to condemn other people's evil deeds. Take care of the salvation of your own soul, and, as St. Seraphim of Sarov, "Thousands Will Be Saved Around You." The path of a Christian is a constant moral work.
2
The mystery 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 of spiritual suffering. Faith will give strength to overcome your own weaknesses, and confession and communion will cleanse the soul from transgressions. Repentance without actively working on oneself will only exacerbate sin.
3
Prayer is another way to combat sinful desires and thoughts. The strict beauty of the liturgy in Church Slavonic is not immediately heard. Search the Internet for texts of worship with translation into modern Russian and read carefully. It is much easier to pray if you understand the meaning of prayers.
4
Try to keep the posts whenever possible. This is not just abstinence from food, but constant work on oneself. However, remember, if you fast without a spiritual purpose, it will not give you anything but weight loss.
5
Help the people who need it. Effective mercy is the path to soul salvation. Read the Gospels at least a chapter a day. They have everything that a Christian should strive for.
6
Feel free to apologize to those you offended. Try to be discreet and prudent in any situation. It is in your power to restrain anger and irritation, not to give free rein to the desire to "express the whole truth in person" to your offender. Be distracted, calm down, and bad thoughts will leave you without a response in your soul. Read the prayer "Softening Evil Hearts" to deal with strong emotions.
7
Tune in to constant internal 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.
