The next time that you commit a major sin - ask forgiveness right away.
I'm not talking about a little sin; like telling a fib to get out of eating vegetables or claiming your non-recently deceased parent as a dependent on your taxes.
I'm talking about the big sins: murder, adultery, pornography, lust, heresy, etc. The big ones.
Ask forgiveness right away. A few hours later - when something reminds you of your sin and you are tempted to ask forgivess again - don't. Don't do it. Don't even think about it. The next day, when the guilt of your sin is again on your mind, and you aren't sure if you asked for forgiveness with enough sinceriety and guilt, and you begin to think that you should beg for forgiveness with more shame in your voice - don't. Don't even think abou it.
For this is the very essence of the Gospel of Grace we so boldly preach: If Christ has forgiven you; you're forgiven. If Christ has set you free; you are free indeed. Although the guilt and shame of your previous sin might haunt you for days, weeks, months, or years - know this; Jesus doesn't remember your sin. That shame doesn't come from God - He doesn't know what you feel so guilty about.
The next time you commit a major sin; ask forgiveness right away, be forgiven, and never ask forgiveness for that sinful moment again.
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There's a really neat story about St Maria Faustina that goes along with this theme. She began having glorious visions of Jesus, and told her priest about it. He didn't believe her, so he told her to ask Jesus to tell her the sins he had most recently confessed, to test her. So she did, and when she spoke to the priest later, she told him what Jesus said:
"I don't remember."
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