Billy Graham Reference

Love and lust

Lust is when we intensely desire or crave something , especially in the sexual sense . Lust appeals to our self- centeredness and treats others as objects instead of people . Love , on the other hand , is an intentional devotion toward another no matter what the circumstances. Love puts another’ s needs before yours to ensure his or her well-being.

Why does it matter ? Confusing the two can be dangerous and could lead to manipulation, a broken marriage, adultery or a similar tragic situation. While physical attraction and emotional feelings between a man and a woman have their place, love between the two is more than that. It is an act of the will —a commitment to seek what is best for the other person . True love doesn’ t demand ; it gives . True love doesn’ t ask , “ What can I get out of this person ?” It asks , “ What can I do to help this person ?” True love isn ’ t self -centered ; it is self-giving.

It takes a lifetime to explore the richness and complexities of human love . But consider this: Would you love this person even if he or she lost physical beauty, or if his or her body were ravaged by cancer or disability ? The Bible says , “ Love is patient, love is kind . … Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13 :4 , 8 ). This is the kind of love God had for us when He sent His Son , Jesus Christ , to die for our sins and draw us closer to Him .

If you ’ re faced with a challenge concerning lust:

—> Open your heart to God’ s love by inviting Christ to come into your life , then ask Him to help you avoid lustful thoughts and actions. Ask Him to help you understand how to truly love someone .

—> Remember that what goes on in our minds eventually influences the way we act. Jesus warned , “ I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart ” (Matthew 5 :28 ). Make it your goal to keep your mind pure , as well as your body .

When you feel tempted to lust after someone , remember this verse: “ God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (I Corinthians 10 :13).

Source: goingfarther.net