Distinguishing between normal attraction and lust is important for maintaining purity and honoring God in your thoughts and actions. Here’s how you can tell the difference:
Explanation: Lust moves beyond a natural appreciation and enters into a realm of sinful desire that leads to spiritual harm. Normal attraction is not sinful, but it becomes lust when it evolves into covetous or impure thoughts.
Focus and Intent:
Explanation: Lust disregards the sanctity and honor of the other person, treating them as a means to an end. In contrast, normal attraction can be the starting point of a relationship that honors God and respects the dignity of both parties.
Duration and Control:
Explanation: Jesus emphasizes that lingering, lustful thoughts are equivalent to committing adultery in one’s heart. Normal attraction does not lead to such consuming thoughts, whereas lust takes over your mind and intentions.
Outcome and Behavior:
Explanation: Walking in the Spirit leads to behaviors that reflect godliness, while giving in to lust leads to actions that are contrary to God’s will. Normal attraction does not lead you into sin, but lust does.
Emotional Response:
Explanation: Normal attraction aligns with thoughts that are pure and noble, while lust drives thoughts and emotions that are impure and dishonoring to God.
Impact on Your Relationship with God:
Explanation: Lust defiles the heart and damages your relationship with God, while normal attraction, if handled correctly, can lead to wholesome relationships that honor God.
Respect for the Other Person:
In conclusion, normal attraction is a natural and healthy part of human relationships when handled with respect and aligned with God’s principles. Lust, however, is a perversion of this natural attraction, driven by selfish desires that lead to sin. By understanding the difference and setting appropriate boundaries, you can honor God in your relationships and maintain purity in your thoughts and actions.
Updated At: 3/3/2024
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