Unintentionally seeing a reference to Satan has caused you distress and repetitive thoughts. Is this a sin?translated

Reader's Question:

Greetings.

I unintentionally saw a reference to Satan in the comments under a random video, read it and asked for forgiveness. Now because of anxiety, this phrase keeps popping up, and I pray until I feel at peace. I have read that a psychotherapist advises ignoring persistent thoughts. I am trying but afraid. What should I do?

Anastasia

Response from the Priest:

Vicar Victor Nikishov,

May God bless you!

The fact that you accidentally read it and now these thoughts keep resurfacing is a symptom of anxiety. As St. Nil the Elder writes, "A prelude without blame, neither deserving praise nor censure, since it is not in our power." Simply having a frightening thought (prelude) is not sin. Sin begins when one agrees with it, holds onto it, or repeats it consciously. You, however, immediately asked for forgiveness and are trying to rid yourself of the thought—therefore, there is no sin.

The psychotherapist you read is correct: persistent thoughts are nourished by attention. But if you try to "ignore" them and fear, this does not work because fear actually strengthens the thought even more. Act differently: when this phrase comes, do not struggle against it but instead read short prayers. Immediately redirect your attention...