About this whole lust thing?

Question

This question came up a few days ago, and I want to address it again.

How can lust be considered wrong---when defined as "looking at other person with a sexual desire?" If no one ever did that, then they would never find a compatible significant other. And yes, physical attraction is not the only aspect of a good relationship, but it IS part of a good relationship. Along with that, it is usually the first thing you notice about other person when scoping them out for a potential mate. Please note that I am not saying that people do or should look for a mate based primarily on physical attraction, but it is part of the process, and often the first part. Also, how can people say that its okay to look at a spouse with sexual attraction, but not a boyfriend or girlfriend? You can't just turn off your natural feelings until you walk down the aisle with someone.

One more thing: I already know about that verse that says "He who looks upon a woman with lust has committed adultery."

Answer 1

I think you said it pretty accurately.

For the life of me, I cannot comprehend why so many ultraconservative sects try to find all these numerous ways to heap guilt on people. It almost seems that if you are doing anything fun or pleasurable that doesn't involve going to church or praying, you are making God mad and need to plead for forgiveness ASAP.

And no, it is not a sin to desire to have sex. In fact, sex is a very basic part of a relationship. Most family therapists will tell you that couples who cannot or do not get involved with each other in this way will probably have problems. Sex is not a dirty thing; it is a celebration of your love for someone. Now, whether or not it should be confined to marriage is a different topic that is controversial.

Answer 2

Your definitions are of the world and not of God. You lack the understanding and knowledge of what love truly is which is very common in today's society. One does not find a mate by scoping their sexual attributes or fall in love with them, this would indicate a selfish disorder on the individuals part and would only be a temporary fix for happiness. God allows sex between married persons in the context of the total self giving and exchange of love for the sake of the beloved with an open possibility to the transmission of new life. For this reason the physical attributes of the two spouses is made pleasing to the eye regardless of the conditions of the partners because love transcends that. Love desires the highest and best thing for the sake of the beloved. That desire is heaven. Therefore to remain in a state of Grace one must do it Gods way and you'll never be sorry. But if one steps outside of Gods wisdom the individual will be very unhappy.

Answer 3

Its just another example of as human beings, we are fallible, and will sin. In this case, looking at a woman or man with lust is the same as committing adultery, which is against Gods Law. In fact, the Bible teaches, if you have ever broken any of Gods Laws, no matter how small, you are guilty of breaking them all, and cannot enter into Heaven. It is a mistake to believe that you must keep the Law to be saved. It is impossible for man. The purpose of Gods Law is to show us that we are sinners in need of a savior, and is recorded in Romans 3: 20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall NO flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin."...Read on thru vrs 28 for hope.

Answer 4

First of all, understand that lust does not just refer to sexual desire. It refers to anything that one develops an overly unhealthy and coveting relationship with.

However, in terms of sexuality, I think there is a difference between finding someone attractive and feeling desire, than becoming overwhelmed with, coveting, and scheming to get something or someone that may not necessarily be for you to have.

I think there is a division, and I'm not sure I can clearly articulate where that division lies, beween simple sexual attraction and all out sexual lust.

Answer 5

...You already know the verse - it's a sin to violate Scripture - that all we need to know.
...There is nothing wrong with a pretty girl - but when you start imagining things that can only rightfully be fulfilled in marriage and you are not married, that is sin.
...One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control.
...God would not command you to do something you could not do.
...See Philippians 4:6-8, especially verse 8. We are commanded in Scripture to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." There is war going on, the battle is in our minds, and we must set our minds on what is proper and good.
...Here are some things you can think on (say when some cute thing crosses your path)
...1. Pray for her salvation
...2. Think on Scripture
...3. Favorite song(s)
...4. Sports
...Yes, it takes discipline, but 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and discipline."
...I wish you a blessed eternity and urge you to trust in Jesus Christ if you never have.
...Whosoever will, may come.

Answer 6

in the starting up the liking 2 or extra human being ingredient is extra difficulty-loose than you imagine. I mean extremely he's not in love with you or something, likely dont recognize all that a lot about you or your chum now to not instruct being concerned about you adult adult males. For all he's familiar with, you may not even observe he likes you. and in view that there isnt any personal aspect contact cant blame him to be searching round not something to do with the participant ingredient, he purely doesnt have any dedication to anybody nicely as far as to why you're in touch in him... nicely perhaps you arent, perhaps you're purely curious about way of the potential of a courting its an rather interesting by highly because you havent been in a unmarried imagining how being mutually will experience, looking forward to how he will react or what hes questioning its all very addicting

Answer 7

Lust is any intense desire or craving, usually sexual, although it is also common to speak of a "lust for life", "lust for blood (bloodlust for short)", or a "lust for power" or other goals.

As a sexual term, lust implies a sexual desire in and of itself, an erotic arousal and wish, or intense physical or sexual attraction or craving. In this sense, it is considered a sin by some Christian sects in regard to someone not one's spouse, and is listed as one of the seven deadly sins of Catholicism and its related denominations. Kama, a concept in Hinduism often translated as lust, is similarly included as one of the Five Evils. The Greek word which translates as lust is επιθυμια (epithumia), which also is translated as covet.

Answer 8

That verse applies AFTER you are married. You are correct in everything that you said. Sometimes the attraction doesn't last when you get to know the person if he/she does not have the right personality for you. On the otherhand sometimes it does. That's the good part.

Answer 9

Sexual desire is a gift from God when used in the proper context. When exploited and abused is when it is adultery. God doesn't expect us to turn it off - he expects us to use the wisdom he gave us to make the best decisions for our minds and bodies. Sexuality was intended to be celebrated within the confines of marriage. A gift we give to each other. Not that it is always possible but that should be our goal.

Answer 10

You're confusing physical attraction with sexual attraction.

Women with wider hips are found more attractive to men wanting families--not because of the sex, but because they will be able to bear children.

Men who are more handsome generally have stronger sperm.

Lust is not about physical attraction--physical attraction is the line that pulls you in. It's the "OMG he is soooo hot!" or the "man! She's fine!" It's not "I want to bang her all night"

Lust is, by definition, "To have an intense or obsessive desire, especially one that is sexual."

"how can people say that its okay to look at a spouse with sexual attraction, but not a boyfriend or girlfriend?"'

A spouse is someone with whom you have married--you are with them no matter what. A married couple, by theory, NEEDS to have sexual attractions and desires to procreate.

A boyfriend and girlfriend situation is close, but not close enough. You're committed, but you're not married. NOTHING holds you together--no ring, no certificate, nothing. Just your words. Especially if you're young, you're just learning what LOVE is, and lust keeps popping up. Why isn't it appropriate for boyfriends and girlfriends to have sexual attractions? (BY THEORY) it's because you're still learning about each other, about love! Until you're married, you should enjoy just being a couple!