What Does The Bible Say About Lusting After Your Girlfriend?

Understanding lust from a biblical perspective can be challenging, especially in today’s hyper-sexualized culture.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into what the Bible says about lusting after your girlfriend and provide guidance on how to navigate these feelings within God’s plan for relationships.

1. Recognizing the Sin of Lust

Biblically speaking, lusting after your girlfriend is considered a sinful act. This notion can be traced back to Matthew 5:28 where Jesus says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

The Biblical Perspective on Lustful Thoughts and Actions

In essence, even if one does not physically commit adultery but harbors lustful thoughts toward someone other than their marriage partner, they have spiritually violated this commandment.

Lust leads to sin as it means violating God’s laws regarding sexual purity and respect for the covenant relationship of marriage.

Distinguishing Between Physical Attraction and Sinful Lust

A crucial aspect here is understanding the difference between physical attraction – which is natural, human instinct – and lusting sinfully after another person.

Suppose you find yourself starting to fantasize about making love or using any specific sexual technique with your girlfriend before being married. In that case, these are signs that innocent admiration has crossed over into sinful territory, according to biblical teachings.

Maintaining Sexual Purity Before Marriage

You should strive for self-control by focusing on qualities like kindness, intelligence, or faithfulness rather than succumbing to an unhealthy obsession based on physical attributes or imagined scenarios of intimacy. This aligns more closely with (Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.) , which tells us “Charm is deceptive.”

This approach encourages Christians in relationships to maintain godly standards as they wait to enter into holy matrimony. The next section will delve more deeply into what consequences await those who fail to maintain such standards.

2. The Consequences of Lust

Lusting after your girlfriend can lead to severe consequences. In (Matthew 5:28  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.), Jesus conveys that any individual who looks at a female with lasciviousness has already violated God’s decree by committing adultery in his heart.

Lust Leads to Adultery

Matthew 5:27-30 clearly illustrates how even entertaining lustful thoughts equates to committing adultery according to biblical principles.

If you find yourself longing for a sexual relationship or start fantasizing about making love with your girlfriend before marriage, it’s important to remember these teachings, as they highlight the gravity of such actions in the Christian faith.

The Impact on Your Relationship with God and Others

Apart from straining your covenant relationship with God, giving in to sexual fantasy may impact other relationships too, especially if one party no longer feels sexual attraction due to their partner’s preoccupation with another person.

Deterioration of Self-Control and Moral Judgment

Succumbing repeatedly to lustful feelings might erode self-control over time, leading individuals down a path where moral judgment becomes clouded by desire instead of guided by spiritual wisdom. Proverbs 4:23 tells us “Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

3. Avoid Temptation

The Bible informs us that temptation is an unavoidable reality, but it also provides advice on how to resist its enticements.

James 1:12-15, for instance, warns about the dangers and consequences of giving in to sinful lust.

Avoiding Situations That Lead to Lustful Thoughts

To avoid lusting sinfully after your girlfriend, you need first to recognize situations that might trigger these feelings.

This could be certain conversations or environments where physical attraction becomes difficult to control. By identifying these triggers early on, you can take steps to avoid them altogether or manage your reactions better when they arise unexpectedly.

Practical Steps for Maintaining Sexual Purity

1. Proverbs 6:27 asks, “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?” This metaphor illustrates the danger inherent in flirting with sexual immorality. Something as seemingly harmless as entertaining a sexual fantasy can quickly escalate if not checked promptly.
2. In cases where you no longer feel sexual attraction is manageable within the confines of friendship before marriage, consider discussing boundaries with your partner. This conversation might involve agreeing upon limits regarding physical touch or time spent alone together.
3. If struggling internally with lust leads one down an ungodly path even after taking preventive measures, seeking professional Christian counseling may prove beneficial. These professionals have experience helping individuals navigate complex emotional and spiritual issues while maintaining their commitment to God’s laws.

This verse does not suggest we suppress our natural human desires; instead, it calls us toward self-control and respect for ourselves and others.

4. Seek God’s Help

In the struggle against sinful lust, seeking divine intervention is paramount.

The Bible offers guidance on how to overcome this sexual sin and maintain sexual purity within your relationship. You are not alone in your battle; you can turn to God for help when lusting becomes overwhelming.

Acknowledging Your Weaknesses and Seeking Divine Strength

Acknowledge that it is human nature to feel physical attraction, but we must strive against allowing these feelings to become a source of sinful desire or lead us into temptation.

To avoid falling into the trap that leads to lust, seek strength from above by praying fervently about maintaining control over any potential sexual fantasy that may arise while dating your girlfriend before marriage. Biblically speaking, such fantasies should be reserved for married couples as part of their covenant relationship with each other under God’s laws.

Maintaining Sexual Purity Through Prayer

This does not mean violating God’s laws by suppressing natural desires completely until you no longer feel sexual attraction. Instead, it means asking Him for wisdom and self-control so you do not start fantasizing sexually outside the bounds He has set.

“For I know my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You alone, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight…” (Psalm 51:3-4).

This psalm shows David repenting after he had been confronted about his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, an excellent example demonstrating how prayer helps keep our hearts directed toward righteousness despite the temptations around us.

Sustaining a Healthy Relationship Through Spiritual Growth

We need constant spiritual growth if we want to sustain healthy relationships without crossing boundaries that have been defined by Biblical standards. If you find yourself struggling, pray earnestly and ask for His forgiveness. Whenever you fall short, remember every new day is a new opportunity to begin living according to His will. Love and respect your partner just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her).

5. Repent and Ask for Forgiveness

If you’ve already lusted after your girlfriend, it’s crucial to understand that repentance is the first step toward healing. God promises forgiveness for those who confess their sins sincerely. The act of acknowledging your sinful lust is a critical part of this process.

Taking Responsibility for Your Actions

Taking responsibility for succumbing to lustful thoughts can be challenging but necessary.

1. You must recognize that giving in to such temptation is wrong.
2. Sincerely regret what you have done.
3. Make an earnest commitment not to start fantasizing again.

These are key steps in seeking forgiveness from both yourself and God.

Biblical Guidance on Seeking Forgiveness

This doesn’t mean becoming immune or no longer feeling sexual attraction altogether, but rather maintaining control over these feelings so they don’t lead down a path where lust leads us astray. This self-awareness fosters personal growth as well as spiritual maturity.

6. Pray for Strength

The Bible teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool in combating sinful lust and maintaining sexual purity.

A key part of resisting temptation involves seeking God’s strength through prayer.

1. We should pray to no longer feel sexual attraction outside marital bounds (1 Corinthians 7:9).
2. We must ask God to renew our minds so we don’t fall into any form of sexual fantasy (Romans 12:2).
3. Last but not least, praying for wisdom will guide us on how best to avoid situations where lust leads us astray (James 1:5).

7. Seek Support

In our journey toward sexual purity, it’s crucial to seek support from those around us. Scripture calls on us to help carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

The Importance of a Covenant Relationship

A covenant relationship with family and friends can be an invaluable resource in overcoming lustful thoughts. As you navigate the path away from sinful lust, this kind of bond offers not just emotional but spiritual support as well.

Finding Strength in a Church Community

The church community is often a refuge for sinners, offering guidance and understanding without judgment or condemnation.

Talking openly about your struggles within this safe space allows others to provide advice based on their experiences and the biblical teachings that might help you resist lusting sinfully after your girlfriend.

An accountability partner serves as someone who helps keep you grounded when temptation strikes. They remind you why staying pure matters, both for yourself and for honoring God’s laws.

Conclusion

It is not uncommon to be attracted to your girlfriend. However, we must put in place boundaries that will help us from falling into sin. By incorporating scripture-based prayers into your daily routine and seeking help from the Holy Spirit, you’ll find renewed strength to overcome challenges, such as lusting after your girlfriend, while fostering a deeper intimacy with Christ.