The Second Purification: Letting Go of Sinful Affections
In Chapter 7 of Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales explains that it’s not enough to simply stop sinning—we must also cleanse our hearts of any lingering attachment to sin. Imagine the Israelites, who physically left Egypt, but still longed for the comfort of the food they had back there, even though it represented the slavery they had left behind. Similarly, some people give up sinful actions, but their hearts are still drawn to the pleasures of those sins. This is what St. Francis calls "sinful affections."
You might wonder, what does it mean to have these sinful affections? It’s like someone who says they’ve stopped sinning, but deep down they still wish they could enjoy it. They may speak longingly about their past sins, or even envy others who are still indulging in those sinful pleasures. It’s like a man who has confessed his anger and desire for revenge, yet can’t stop talking about the grudge he holds. Though he’s not actively seeking revenge, he still secretly wishes he could. Or it’s like a woman who may have left behind a life of vanity, but still enjoys being admired by others and secretly desires the attention she used to get.
St. Francis paints a picture of what this looks like: someone who may have left sin behind, but who is still spiritually weak and sickly. They no longer live in sin, but their attachment to it keeps them from fully embracing a devout life. These affections slow them down in their spiritual journey, making it hard to truly live for God. Just like a person who is physically sick might eat, but without appetite, or laugh, but without joy, someone who clings to sinful desires performs good works, but without enthusiasm or grace. Their actions become shallow and weak, lacking the true spirit of devotion.
If you’re serious about living a devout life, St. Francis advises that you must not only let go of sinful actions but also free your heart from the desire for those sins. It’s not just about what you do—it’s about what you want. Holding onto the desire for sinful pleasures, even if you’ve stopped committing the actual sins, is like leaving Egypt but constantly looking back, wishing you could return.
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This chapter serves as a reminder that true spiritual health comes from a complete turning away from sin. It’s not enough to abstain from sinful behavior; we need to let go of the love of sin as well. St. Francis warns that if we don’t, we risk falling back into those sinful habits. Worse yet, these sinful attachments will weaken us, making it hard to fully commit to good works. Our spiritual life will become sluggish, like someone who’s constantly tired and can’t move forward with energy or purpose.
How to Let Go of Sinful Affections
So, how do we rid ourselves of these sinful affections? St. Francis suggests several steps:
Recognize the Affections – Take time to examine your heart. Are there certain sins you’ve given up but still wish you could enjoy? Are you envious of those who still indulge in these behaviors?
Detest Them – Once you identify these affections, reject them with all your heart. Remember, these attachments hold you back from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and the joy of living a devout life.
Pray for Strength – Ask God to help you let go of these desires. Pray for a heart that truly loves what is good and rejects what is evil.
Focus on the Good – Shift your attention to the joy and peace that come from living a life devoted to God. The more you fill your heart with love for God, the less room there will be for attachments to sin.
Be Patient – Letting go of sinful affections can be a gradual process. Be patient with yourself, but stay committed to the path of holiness.
In this chapter, St. Francis de Sales encourages us to move beyond simply avoiding sin. True devotion requires not just a change in behavior but a change in heart. By letting go of sinful affections, we free ourselves to love God fully and live a life filled with spiritual energy, joy, and purpose.
So, wherever you are on your journey, take a moment to reflect on the state of your heart. Ask yourself, are there any lingering attachments holding you back? If so, trust in God’s grace to help you let go and move forward. The road to true devotion is open to you, and it begins with a heart that is free from the chains of sin, both in action and desire.
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