What is Lust?

​Lust is a complex emotion characterised by an intense desire for sexual gratification. It encompasses both physical attraction and a yearning for intimacy, driven by biological impulses and psychological factors.

 

Biological Perspective

Lust is influenced by hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, which regulate sexual desire. Neurotransmitters like dopamine also play a role, enhancing feelings of attraction and arousal.

 

Psychological Aspects

Lust manifests as a natural response to physical attraction and emotional connection, ranging from fleeting attraction to profound longing. It often involves feelings of passion and excitement, which can lead to impulsive decisions.

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Cultural Variations

The perception of lust varies across cultures and historical periods. Some societies celebrate it as a natural part of human experience, while others view it with suspicion, influencing how individuals express their desires.

 

Impact on Relationships

Lust can ignite passion in relationships but may also lead to complications like infidelity or unrealistic expectations. It often initiates romantic connections, but lasting relationships require deeper emotional bonds beyond physical attraction.

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In summary, lust is an intricate emotion with biological, psychological, and cultural dimensions, playing a vital role in human sexuality and relationships.

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Why is Lust Important?

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Lust is a fundamental aspect of human psychology and relationships, driving connection and intimacy beyond mere physical attraction. It influences behaviours, choices, and societal norms, offering insights into emotional dynamics and romantic partnerships. Evolutionarily, lust ensures species continuation through procreation, intertwining with emotional bonds and celebrated in various cultural expressions.

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Lust catalyzes deeper emotional connections, transforming initial physical attraction into meaningful relationships by fostering compatibility and intimacy. It enhances individual well-being through endorphin release, boosting happiness, self-esteem, and body image, empowering individuals to embrace their sexuality healthily.

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However, balance is crucial, as unchecked lust may lead to complications. Understanding healthy desire versus obsession is vital for maintaining relationships, with communication and consent being key. Lust enriches lives when approached with mindfulness and respect.

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How can our Lust help us?

 

Lust, when aligned with a higher purpose, bridges the spiritual and physical realms, harmonising opposing forces like male and female, yin and yang. It fosters self-identity and purification, promoting peace by respecting boundaries and using separation to enhance desire and joy through mutual reflection.

When directed positively, the passion derived from lust can inspire others toward peace. By channeling both physical and spiritual lust into selfless actions and adhering to higher truths, we can transcend limitations, merging our animal and divine natures to uncover spiritual truths in the physical world, ultimately achieving harmony and understanding of ourselves and our Creator.

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A passionate pursuit of spiritual unity and righteousness can manifest as peace in the physical realm. For instance, a strong desire for unity with Higher Truth and unconditional love can motivate an individual to seek righteousness while enjoying meaningful interactions without crossing boundaries. This approach enables personal growth and learning, even amidst struggles, allowing individuals to share their wisdom and serve as examples for others on their paths to discovering Higher Truth.

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Lust, when channeled into healthy, legitimate relationships—such as a legal marriage—can ignite unconditional love, fostering peace and unity within families and beyond. However, it’s crucial to discern whether this lust is genuine or merely a fleeting pleasure. If our desire for one another lacks a connection to Higher Truth and does not adhere to spiritual boundaries, how can our unity be real and lasting? When partners prioritise physical pleasure driven by selfish desires over their connection to spiritual truths, they risk losing the essence of unconditional love, which is rooted in selflessness.​​

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How does our 'Lust' affect our well-being?​

 

The impact of lust on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being is complex, with both positive and negative effects across these dimensions.

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Physical Impact

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Lust triggers various physiological changes, including:

• Release of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin

• Increased heart rate and heightened arousal

• Enhanced physical intimacy and sexual health

However, excessive lust can lead to:

• Risky sexual behaviours (e.g., STIs, unintended pregnancies)

• Neglect of physical health (poor diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep)

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Emotional Impact

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Lust can evoke a range of emotions:

• Ignition of passion and excitement

• Enhanced emotional bonding

Conversely, it can also cause:

• Obsessiveness, jealousy, and anxiety

• Confusion between lust and love, affecting self-worth

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Mental Impact

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Lust influences cognitive functions and decision-making:

• Can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive choices

• May distract from personal goals and meaningful relationships

On a positive note, healthy expressions of lust can:

• Enhance creativity and motivation

• Provide a sense of purpose

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Spiritual Impact

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The spiritual implications of lust vary widely:

• Some traditions view it as a base instinct hindering spiritual growth

• Others see it as a natural expression of desire

Navigating these dimensions can lead to:

• Greater self-awareness and acceptance

• Spiritual growth and deeper connections

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Although lust has its benefits if channelled appropriately- when misused- our lust ignites intense passion and energy, tempting us to indulge in its allure. While the initial thrill may feel rewarding, akin to a 'healing' remedy, it often leads us away from our higher truths. This desire can cause us to betray our commitments for fleeting pleasures, altering our perceptions and making life seem more vibrant. However, as we chase this temporary relief, we risk becoming enslaved to it, sacrificing meaningful relationships, moral integrity, and ultimately, our well-being.

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In our pursuit of lust, we may find ourselves trapped in darkness once its superficial beauty fades. The realisation of our choices can lead to profound shame, prompting us to hide from our Creator and build walls around our true selves. This self-deception can result in a loss of identity, leading to depression, anxiety, and a sense of purposelessness. How can we fulfil our purpose if we are disconnected from our true essence? How can we hear our inner needs if we hide from reality?

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The multifaceted impact of lust necessitates understanding and management to align with personal values and promote overall well-being. Engaging in open conversations, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-awareness are key to ensuring that lust enriches rather than detracts from holistic well-being.​

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How Can Lust Harm Us?

 

Lust becomes harmful when it distorts our sense of right and wrong, leading us into deception while we internally recognise its wrongness. It is a powerful force, often masquerading as true love, yet it can be destructive and misleading.

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Many have chased desires, mistaking them for genuine love, only to find that what they pursued was toxic. Like a rose with hidden thorns, lust can appear beautiful but ultimately brings pain. It entices us with illusions, drawing us into a cycle of idol worship and temporary satisfaction, which clouds our judgment and weakens our spirit.

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When we allow lust to overstep the boundaries of purity, such as within the sanctity of marriage, we risk creating a false idol that leads to personal and communal harm. For instance, when a spouse seeks physical connections outside their marriage, it results in suffering for themselves and their families. Similarly, engaging in illicit relationships driven by lust and ego turns individuals into idolators of their desires.

Indulging in or even entertaining lustful thoughts can lead to addiction, inner turmoil, and despair. To discern whether our desires are forbidden, we must ask ourselves if we seek temporary pleasure. If so, it is likely driven by ego. Conversely, if our lust serves a higher purpose, it may reflect a deeper truth masked in falsehood.

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Understanding the motivations behind our lust is crucial. Staying connected to our Higher Source and trusting in a greater plan can help guide us. By being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, we can navigate the complexities of desire more responsibly.​​

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How Can Lust Harm Others?

 

Can we maintain healthy relationships without commitment or trust? Pursuing lust driven by sexual desires can lead to forbidden relationships that break promises and commitments to ourselves and others. This erodes the trust that binds us, hindering our ability to serve a Higher Purpose in peace.

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How do we feel when we invest in a partnership only to be betrayed by our partner's selfish pursuit of temporary pleasure? The pain of betrayal is profound, often leading to disloyalty and further heartbreak. Many of us have experienced this and may use it as a justification for hurting others to protect ourselves. Yet, deep within us lies an inner child—a perfect partner, parent, or teacher—yearning for unconditional love.

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Negative experiences from our or others' lusts can lead us to build walls, repay harm with harm, and even respond to kindness with cruelty. This behaviour distances us from our true selves and fosters division within our communities. It stifles our courage to embrace vulnerability and seek our authentic identities. The pursuit of selfish lust not only affects us but also those around us. Only by recognising ourselves in others and treating them as we wish to be treated can we uncover the light of true unconditional love hidden beneath the shadows of false desires.

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What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about 'Lust?'

 

 

What does Jewish scripture teach about 'lust'? The concept of lust is addressed in various texts within Jewish scripture, including the Torah, the Talmud, and other rabbinic writings. Lust, in this context, is often understood as an intense and uncontrolled desire, particularly in relation to sexual urges. The Torah explicitly warns against such desires, emphasising the importance of self-control and the sanctity of relationships. For instance, in the Ten Commandments, there is a prohibition against coveting another person's spouse, which can be interpreted as a warning against lustful thoughts and desires that can lead to sinful actions.

 

The teachings in Jewish scripture further elaborate on the idea that lust can distract individuals from their spiritual and moral responsibilities. The Talmud discusses the consequences of succumbing to lustful thoughts, suggesting that they can lead to more serious transgressions and ultimately distance a person from God. Rabbinic literature often encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of modesty and to channel their desires in healthy and constructive ways, highlighting the importance of intention and action in the realm of human relationships.

 

Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, delves deeper into the nature of desire, discussing the balance between physical attraction and spiritual connection. It teaches that while physical desires are a natural part of human existence, they should be approached with mindfulness and respect for oneself and others. Lust, when left unchecked, can lead to a disconnection from one's true self and from the divine. In summary, Jewish scripture provides a multifaceted view of lust, acknowledging its existence while also cautioning against its potential to lead individuals away from a righteous path. It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, moral integrity, and the pursuit of a deeper spiritual connection, encouraging individuals to navigate their desires in a way that aligns with their values and faith.​

 

In the teachings of Jesus, lust is addressed as a significant moral concern that goes beyond mere physical actions. Christ emphasises that lustful thoughts and desires can lead to sinful behaviour and reflect a deeper issue within the heart and mind of an individual. In the Sermon on the Mount, for instance, He states that even looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in one's heart. This profound teaching underscores the importance of purity not just in actions but also in thoughts and intentions. Moreover, Jesus teaches that lust can lead to destructive consequences, not only for the individual but also for relationships and communities. By highlighting the need for inner transformation and the cultivation of pure thoughts, Christ encourages His followers to seek a higher standard of righteousness that aligns with the values of the Kingdom of God. He advocates for self-control and the importance of guarding one's heart against temptations that can lead to lustful desires.​

 

Christ's teachings on lust invite believers to reflect on the nature of love and relationships, promoting a view of love that is respectful, selfless, and grounded in a commitment to the well-being of others. In this light, lust is seen not merely as a physical urge but as a distortion of the true essence of love, which seeks to honour and uplift rather than objectify and exploit. Therefore, the teachings of Christ on lust serve as a call to pursue a life marked by integrity, purity, and a sincere desire to reflect the love of God in all aspects of human relationships.​

 

The Quran addresses the concept of 'lust' within the broader context of human desires and moral conduct. Lust, in this sense, is often associated with uncontrolled or excessive sexual desire, which can lead individuals away from the path of righteousness and toward actions that are deemed sinful. The Quran emphasises the importance of self-control and moderation in all aspects of life, including one's desires. It teaches that while human beings may experience natural inclinations towards lustful thoughts and actions, it is crucial to manage these feelings in a way that aligns with Islamic principles and values.​

 

The Quran provides guidance on how to navigate these desires through various means, such as fostering a strong relationship with God, engaging in prayer, and seeking spiritual fulfilment. It encourages believers to channel their desires in permissible ways, such as within the confines of marriage, which is viewed as a sacred institution that not only fulfils physical needs but also promotes emotional and spiritual connection between partners. Additionally, the Quran warns against the dangers of succumbing to lustful temptations, which can lead to actions that harm oneself and others, including adultery and fornication. These acts are explicitly prohibited, as they disrupt the fabric of society and undermine family structures. The text highlights the significance of modesty, both in behaviour and attire, as a means of safeguarding oneself and others from the pitfalls of lust.

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The Quran encourages believers to seek refuge in God from the whispers of temptation and to engage in practices that strengthen their faith and resolve. By doing so, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfilment that transcends mere physical desires, leading to a more balanced and spiritually enriched life. In summary, the Quran teaches that while lust is a natural human inclination, it must be approached with caution, responsibility, and a commitment to ethical living in accordance with divine guidance.

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How can we use our 'Lust' to transform Darkness to Light?

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Recognising our selfish desires as distractions that test our commitment to our Creator and each other is the first step towards transformation. By channeling our lust into a higher purpose of selfless service, we can extract wisdom that propels us to greater heights. Here’s a structured approach to achieving this transformation:

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Steps to Rise Above Lust

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1. Seek Divine Guidance: Pray to your Creator for assistance in seeking truth. Ask for clarity to steer your desires towards fulfilling His will and to remove distractions from your vision and heart.

2. Reflect on Past Mistakes: Analyze previous actions driven by lust. Extract wisdom from these experiences to illuminate your path and assist others facing similar struggles.

3. Practice Repentance: Regularly return to your Creator, turning away from negative thoughts and actions. Commit to performing good deeds that reflect selflessness.

4. Engage in Charitable Acts: Perform acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Focus on purifying your intentions and seeking your Creator’s pleasure through selfless giving.

5. Fast: Fasting from food and drink and sexual relations during sunlight hours can help us to develop the patience and self-discipline required to help tame and transform our lust.

6. Maintain Discipline: Regularly remember and meditate on the beautiful attributes of your Creator. Integrate His principles of peace and righteousness into your daily life to divert your thoughts from lustful desires.

7. Practice Gratitude: The more grateful we are, the likely it is we will covet or envy what is 'forbidden' to us, and the less likely it is that we will use our lust for selfish destructive purposes.

8. Avoid Tempting Situations: Stay away from environments that encourage gossip, slander, or immoral behavior. Avoid intoxicants and addictive substances to maintain control over your desires.

9. Practice Forgiveness: Strive to see the good in others and forgive their mistakes. Avoid being judgmental and cultivate compassion.

10. Embrace the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated, fostering a culture of respect and kindness.

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By following these steps, we can transform our lust into a force for good, bringing light into our lives and the lives of others.

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Here are some self- reflection questions that may help us:

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Some Scripture verses about 'Lust'

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I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.” Deuteronomy 5:6-21

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Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

 

So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate.Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.read more.

There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. Genesis 39:6-12

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‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.' Leviticus 20:13

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The Lord said to Moses,  “Speak to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘This is what the Lord has commanded:  Any Israelite who sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the entrance to the tent of meeting to present it as an offering to the Lord in front of the tabernacle of the Lord—that person shall be considered guilty of bloodshed; they have shed blood and must be cut off from their people. This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord, at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. The priest is to splash the blood against the altar of the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols[b] to whom they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordinance for them and for the generations to come.’ Leviticus 17:2-7

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The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord. “‘No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord. “‘Do not dishonour your father by having sexual relations with your mother.She is your mother; do not have relations with her.“‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonour your father. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.“‘Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonour you. “‘Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative. “‘Do not dishonour your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; do not have relations with her. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would dishonour your brother. “‘Do not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. Do not have sexual relations with either her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter; they are her close relatives. That is wickedness. “‘Do not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is living. “‘Do not approach a woman to have sexual relations during the uncleanness of her monthly period. “‘Do not have sexual relations with your neighbour’s wife and defile yourself with her. “‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. “‘Do not have sexual relations with an animal and defile yourself with it. A woman must not present herself to an animal to have sexual relations with it; that is a perversion. “‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants.  But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the foreigners residing among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled.  And if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it vomited out the nations that were before you. “‘Everyone who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 18:1-29

 

 

Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house.read more. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, “I am pregnant.” 2 Samuel 11:2-5

 

The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother; and they played the harlot in Egypt. They played the harlot in their youth; there their breasts were pressed and there their virgin bosom was handled.read more.

Their names were Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister. And they became Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. And as for their names, Samaria is Oholah and Jerusalem is Oholibah. “Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, after the Assyrians, her neighbors, who were clothed in purple, governors and officials, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. She bestowed her harlotries on them, all of whom were the choicest men of Assyria; and with all whom she lusted after, with all their idols she defiled herself. She did not forsake her harlotries from the time in Egypt; for in her youth men had lain with her, and they handled her virgin bosom and poured out their lust on her. Therefore, I gave her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, after whom she lusted. They uncovered her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters, but they slew her with the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgments on her. “Now her sister Oholibah saw this, yet she was more corrupt in her lust than she, and her harlotries were more than the harlotries of her sister. She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and officials, the ones near, magnificently dressed, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. I saw that she had defiled herself; they both took the same way. So she increased her harlotries. And she saw men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, girded with belts on their loins, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them looking like officers, like the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth. When she saw them she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea. The Babylonians came to her to the bed of love and defiled her with their harlotry. And when she had been defiled by them, she became disgusted with them. She uncovered her harlotries and uncovered her nakedness; then I became disgusted with her, as I had become disgusted with her sister. Yet she multiplied her harlotries, remembering the days of her youth, when she played the harlot in the land of Egypt. She lusted after their paramours, whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys and whose issue is like the issue of horses. Thus you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when the Egyptians handled your bosom because of the breasts of your youth. Ezekiel 23:1-21

 

just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" read more. But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage. Jude 1:7-6

 

Do not desire her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with her eyelids. For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread, and an adulteress hunts for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Proverbs 6:25-29

 

but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Mathew 5:28

 

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6

 

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; How then could I gaze at a virgin? Job 31:1

 

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:13-15

 

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16

 

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Romans 1:21:27

 

For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. Romans 7:5

 

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

 

For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 1 Peter 4:3

 

having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error. 2 Peter 2:14-18

 

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.read more. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21

 

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3-5

 

that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.. Ephesians 4:22

 

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

 

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11

 

Adorned for the people is the love of desires, such as women, and children, and piles upon piles of gold and silver, and branded horses, and livestock, and fields. These are the conveniences of the worldly life, but with God lies the finest resort. Say, “Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who are righteous, with their Lord are Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will remain forever, and purified spouses, and acceptance from God.” God is Observant of the servants. Those who say, “Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us our sins, and save us from the suffering of the Fire.” The patient, and the truthful, and the reverent, and the charitable, and the seekers of forgiveness at dawn. God bears witness that there is no god but He, as do the angels, and those endowed with knowledge—upholding justice. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise. Quran 3:14-18

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O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, God  is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you avoid justice; and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, God is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. Quran 4:135

 

God intends to make things clear to you, and to guide you in the ways of those before you, and to redeem you. God is Most Knowing, Most Wise. God intends to redeem you, but those who follow their desires want you to turn away utterly. God intends to lighten your burden, for the human being was created weak. Quran 4:26-28

 

And Lot, when he said to his people, “Do you commit lewdness no people anywhere have ever committed before you?” “You lust after men rather than women. You are an excessive people.” And his people's only answer was to say, “Expel them from your town; they are purist people.” But We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who lagged behind. Quran 7:80-83

 

And content yourself with those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, desiring His Presence. And do not turn your eyes away from them, desiring the glitter of this world. And do not obey him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance—so he follows his own desires—and his priorities are confused. Quran 18:28

 

But they were succeeded by generations who lost the prayers and followed their appetites. They will meet perdition. Quran 19:59

 

And do not let him who denies it and follows his desire turn you away from it, lest you fall. Quran 20:16

 

Do you lust after men instead of women? You are truly ignorant people. Quran 27:55

 

But if they fail to respond to you, know that they follow their fancies. And who is more lost than him who follows his fancy without guidance from God? God does not guide the unjust people. Quran 28:50

 

He illustrates an example for you, from your own selves: do you make your servants full partners in the wealth We have given you? Do you revere them as you revere one another? We thus explain the revelations for a people who understand. Yet the wrongdoers follow their desires without knowledge. But who can guide whom God leaves astray? They will have no helpers. So devote yourself to the religion of monotheism—the natural instinct God has instilled in mankind. There is no altering God’s creation. This is the true religion, but most people do not know. Quran 30:28-30

 

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Quran 17:32 

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The adulteress and the adulterer—whip each one of them a hundred lashes, and let no pity towards them overcome you regarding God’s Law, if you believe in God and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment. The adulterer shall marry none but an adulteress or an idolatress; and the adulteress shall marry none but an adulterer or an idolater. That has been prohibited for the believers. Quran 24:2-3

 

Tell the believing men to restrain their looks, and to guard their privates. That is purer for them. God is cognizant of what they do. And tell the believing women to restrain their looks, and to guard their privates, and not display their beauty except what is apparent thereof, and to draw their coverings over their breasts, and not expose their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, what their right hands possess, their male attendants who have no sexual desires, or children who are not yet aware of the nakedness of women. And they should not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden beauty. And repent to God, all of you believers, so that you may succeed. And wed the singles among you, and those who are fit among your servants and maids. If they are poor, God will enrich them from His bounty. God is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. And let those who do not find the means to marry abstain, until God enriches them from His bounty. If any of your servants wish to be freed, grant them their wish, if you recognize some good in them. And give them of God’s wealth which he has given you. And do not compel your girls to prostitution, seeking the materials of this life, if they desire to remain chaste. Should anyone compel them—after their compulsion, God is Forgiving and Merciful. Quran 24:30-34

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O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women, if you observe piety. So do not speak too softly, lest the sick at heart lusts after you, but speak in an appropriate manner. And settle in your homes; and do not display yourselves, as in the former days of ignorance. And perform the prayer, and give regular charity, and obey God and His Messenger. God desires to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Household, and to purify you thoroughly. Quran 33:32-32

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