As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God, and part of that involves how we handle our sexual urges. It can be a challenging topic to discuss, but it’s essential to understand how to approach this area of our lives as we seek to follow Jesus. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about how to handle sexual urges and offer practical tips on how to do so.
It can also be helpful to have a Spiritual Mentor (preferably someone of the same gender), someone you can confide in, who genuinely looks out for you and wants you to succeed. Such people can guide you, pray with you, counsel you and listen at times when you feel under pressure to commit sin. Most times, the excitement of sin is in the secrecy, the moment it comes to the open, it is no longer exciting and you can overcome the strong urge.
Understand that Sexual Desire is Normal
Firstly, it’s important to understand that sexual desire is normal. God created sex, and it is a beautiful and sacred part of marriage. However, outside of marriage, sex can be destructive and harmful. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 7:2, “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Recognize Temptation and Flee from It
When we experience sexual urges, it’s important to recognize when we are being tempted and flee from it. Temptation is not sin, but giving into it is. The Bible instructs us in 1 Corinthians 6:18, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Seek God’s Help and Accountability
When we struggle with sexual urges, we need to seek God’s help and accountability. We cannot overcome our temptations alone, but through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome them. James 5:16 tells us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” It can also be helpful to have a Spiritual Mentor (preferably someone of the same gender), someone you can confide in, who genuinely looks out for you and wants you to succeed. Such people can guide you, pray with you, counsel you and listen at times when you feel under pressure to commit sin. Most times, the excitement of sin is in the secrecy, the moment it comes to the open, it is no longer exciting and you can overcome the strong urge.
Guard Your Mind and Heart
In addition to seeking God’s help, we must also guard our minds and hearts. We need to be careful about what we expose ourselves to, including movies, TV shows, and music that promote sexual immorality. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Focus on God’s Plan for Sexuality
Lastly, it’s important to focus on God’s plan for sexuality. Sex was created by God for the purpose of intimacy and procreation within the context of marriage. As Christians, we need to respect God’s plan and avoid anything that goes against it. Hebrews 13:4 states, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
In conclusion, handling sexual urges can be a challenging task, but as Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our temptations. We must recognize when we are being tempted, seek God’s help and accountability, guard our minds and hearts, and focus on God’s plan for sexuality. With these tips and the help of God, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him.