Worry: A Catholic's Perspective On Sinful Anxiety

Is worry a sin? This question has plagued Christians for centuries. While the Bible is clear that we should not worry, it is also understood that worry and anxiety are normal and natural parts of life. So, when does worry become a sin? According to some, it becomes a sin when we allow it to control our lives, choosing to listen to worry instead of God. However, others argue that worry is not a sin at all, but rather a symptom of our humanity, and that by defining it as such, we create a vicious cycle of worry about worry.

Jesus' teachings on worry

Jesus had a lot to say about worry. He lived in an unpredictable world, in an agricultural society where one summer's drought could wipe out crops for the winter. He understood the human heart and the temptations presented by the cares of this life. So, he gave his disciples some excellent instruction on worry.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to refrain from worrying about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies and what they will wear. He asks if worrying can add a single moment to their life span. He reminds them that their Heavenly Father provides for the birds and clothes the grass of the field and ends with the words, "Do not worry about tomorrow".

Jesus says that God gave us our human life and our bodies without us even asking. Human life and our physical bodies are incredibly valuable. Our life is much more valuable than the food we put on the table; our body far more valuable than the shirt we put on. If God gave us life, which is so very valuable, will he not give us food, which is of far lesser value? If God gave us these bodies, will he not give us clothes to cover them?

Jesus reminds us that God provides for dumb animals. Birds don't sow or reap or store their food in barns—and they don't fret about whether they'll have enough for tomorrow or to get through the winter. Yet God feeds them. And Jesus tells us that humans, the crown of God's creation, are of much more value than birds. If God provides for birds, then surely he’ll provide for those he made in his own image.

Jesus also points out that worry does absolutely no good. It won’t bring in money, food, or clothing. Worry only has negative results: it chokes the word of God and distracts us from God. It is unbelief, the opposite of faith. And it leads to more fear and anxiety.

Jesus didn't want his followers to lose sight of what was most important in life. He taught that our emotions reflect what is going on in our hearts, values, and thinking. If we are going to take our faith seriously, we need to listen to the clues that anxiety brings our way.

Jesus taught four key principles about anxiety:

• My Anxiety Reveals What I Value: What we value will become what we prioritize. If we value the world’s priorities more than we value God’s priorities, we will naturally be anxious about the things of this world like food, clothing, and “stuff”.
• My Anxiety Reflects My View of God: How we respond to life’s troubles reflects how we view God and whether we trust how He has acted towards us. Jesus makes the case that our worry really stems from a heart of unbelief that God is acting in a good way toward us.
• My Anxiety Is Related to My Trust Level in God: Jesus has real power to intervene in our troubles. He wanted his disciples to understand that they lacked the power to control the outcome, but God was powerful.
• My Anxiety Is Redirected Best by Compassionately Serving Others: In our anxiety, we are incessantly inward-focused. Jesus taught us that this worry accomplishes little. He wanted his disciples to trust him and help others to trust him too.

The difference between worry and anxiety

While the terms "worry" and "anxiety" are often used interchangeably, they are distinct states of mind with different implications for our health and well-being. Here are the key differences between worry and anxiety:

Nature of Worry and Anxiety:

Worry tends to reside in our thoughts and is often specific and grounded in reality. It is usually a temporary response to a concerning situation and involves a logical component where we try to make sense of a real and present danger. On the other hand, anxiety affects both the body and mind, often manifesting as physical symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is more generalized and vague, making it challenging to pinpoint the source of anxiety.

Duration and Impact:

Worry is typically short-term and does not impair our ability to function. It can be helpful and motivate us to use our problem-solving skills to address concerns. In contrast, anxiety is persistent and longstanding, often compromising an individual's ability to focus and perform daily tasks. It can interfere with personal and professional functioning and make it difficult to manage.

Actionability and Control:

Worry is related to a realistic concern and often prompts us to take action. For example, worry about the coronavirus may lead to taking precautions such as handwashing and mask-wearing. Worry is also easier to control and calm down from once the concerning situation has passed. Anxiety, however, overestimates risk and underestimates our ability to cope. It is characterized by catastrophic thinking, where the mind continues to perceive a threat even after it has passed.

Spectrum of Worry and Anxiety:

It is important to recognize that worry and anxiety exist on a spectrum. Everyone experiences this spectrum, and it is normal to feel some level of worry or anxiety. However, when worry or anxiety becomes excessive or impairing, it may cross over into the zone of a clinical anxiety disorder. Clinical anxiety disorders are characterized by severe, persistent worry that is disproportionate to the situation and cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

In conclusion, while worry and anxiety are distinct states of mind, they are interrelated and can motivate change. Understanding these differences can help us effectively manage our emotional responses and improve our overall well-being.

When does worry become a sin?

The Bible is clear that we are to put God first in our lives. When worry becomes a sin is hard to pinpoint, but it is suggested that it is when we choose to listen to the voice of worry rather than the voice of God.

Jesus himself tells us not to worry. In the Sermon on the Mount, he instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or drink, about our bodies, or what we will wear (Matthew 6:25). He asks if worrying can add a single moment to our life span (Matthew 6:27). Jesus ends with the words, "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34).

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Jesus is not inviting us to idleness, but wants to relieve us from nagging worry and preoccupation. This is the filial surrender of the children of God (CCC 2830).

Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "All worry is atheism, because it is a want of trust in God." Worry becomes a sin when we nurture it, ignoring Christ and His message. It is when we choose not to trust in Him and continue to worry about our lives and what might happen in the future.

However, it is important to distinguish between worry and anxiety. Worry is mostly in our thoughts, specific to a situation, grounded in logic, and doesn't destroy our daily life. For example, if we are worried about flying for a business trip, we might fear a plane crash, get our affairs in order, and tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. But this worry doesn't stop us from flying, and when the flight is over, we stop worrying.

On the other hand, anxiety can affect our bodies, making us dizzy or nauseous, or giving us heart palpitations. It can persist for a long time, impact our lives, and cause difficulty with focus or accomplishing tasks.

While basic worry and anxiety are not sins, they can become sins when we allow them to control our lives without seeking to manage and control them. It is a sin when we choose to listen to the voice of worry instead of the voice of God, failing to trust in Him and His providence.

How to stop worrying

While the sources do not agree on whether or not worry is a sin, they do offer several strategies for how to stop worrying.

Understanding the Nature of Worry

Firstly, it is important to understand the nature of worry. Worry is a troubled state of mind that arises from the cares of life. It is a conscious action, and while it may not feel like it, you can choose not to worry.

Turn to God and the Bible

The Bible is filled with messages of reassurance and comfort for those who are worried. The phrase "Be not afraid!" appears hundreds of times in the Bible, and God wants us to be free from anxieties. You can take back your life from fear by replacing your constant thoughts of worry and fear with positive ones. Praying the Lord's words can help to replace negative thoughts.

• "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3
• "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid." John 14:27
• "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
• "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
• "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Pray

When you are worried, you can choose to do something productive, such as praying or reading the Bible. Praying or reading the Bible puts you in contact with the Lord, even if you still feel anxious. If you are feeling too anxious to think straight, you can resort to familiar prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be. You can also repeat the words, "Jesus, I trust in you."

Take Action

Breaking free from worry is a process, and it will take work. You will likely slip up and start worrying from time to time, but it is important to keep trying. When you find yourself starting to worry, open your Bible and pray.

Seek Professional Help

In some cases, excessive and compulsive worry may be a symptom of a legitimate illness. If you are experiencing chronic worry or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek professional help.

The benefits of worry

While the Catholic Church does not explicitly state that worry is a sin, it is generally advised against in the Bible. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to refrain from worrying about their lives and what the future may hold. Instead, he asks them to place their trust in God and take each day as it comes.

However, despite its negative connotations, worry can have its benefits. Here are some advantages of worrying:

Taking Action

Worrying can serve as a cue that a situation is serious and requires attention. For example, people who worry about skin cancer are more likely to take preventive measures such as using sunscreen. Similarly, when young adult smokers were shown graphic warnings on cigarette packets, their worry about the health consequences increased, discouraging them from smoking. Worry can motivate individuals to take proactive steps towards improving their health and well-being.

Problem-Solving

Some people view worry as a problem-solving mechanism. They believe that by worrying about an issue, they are more likely to find a solution. This type of worry can be constructive if it leads to practical actions and does not become overwhelming.

Motivation

For some, worry can be a source of motivation. For instance, a person might think, "If I didn't worry about how I look, I would never go to the gym." In this case, worry about physical appearance can motivate someone to exercise and take care of their body.

Preparation for the Future

Worrying can help individuals prepare for potential challenges and negative events. By anticipating problems, people can stockpile responses and take proactive steps to mitigate future difficulties. This is known as "pragmatic prospection," or thinking about the future in a practical and actionable way.

Enhancing Positive Emotions

Constant worry can lower one's mood and make positive events feel even more uplifting in comparison. For example, watching a comedy clip after a horror movie makes people rate the comedy as more pleasant and relaxing. So, while worry can bring down one's mood, it can also make the good times feel even better.

While these benefits exist, it is important to remember that excessive worry can be harmful. Intense worry that interferes with one's life may be a sign of an anxiety disorder and should not be ignored. Talking to a professional can help individuals manage their worry and improve their overall well-being.

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