What distinguishes the two? Love involves selflessness, while lust is focused on self-gratification. At times, lust may be masked as love. Numerous individuals claim, “I love you,” when they are merely experiencing lust for someone. According to Matthew 5:28, “But I say unto you, that every one who looks upon a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Here, the Lord Jesus Christ condemns the sin of mental adultery. There are various reasons why Jesus denounces the immoral act of lust. Firstly, lust leads individuals to justify their sinful behaviour instead of refraining from it. Secondly, it undermines marriages and families. Thirdly, it represents a conscious defiance against God. Finally, this sin always results in harm to others.

The Bible warns against ungodly lusts in Romans 1:26-27, “For this reason God gave them up to vile lusts; for both their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature; and in like manner the males also, leaving the natural use of the female, were inflamed in their lust towards one another; males with males working shame, and receiving in themselves the recompense of their error which was fit.”

The Bible instructs that we engage in the sin of lust when we yield to temptation and act on sinful desires. Experiencing temptation itself is not sinful, but succumbing to it is. Giving in to lustful thoughts and feelings can lead to negative outcomes, often causing the disintegration of relationships and families.

1 John 2:16 says, “because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The Bible states that lust is not aligned with God’s will and does not bring Him pleasure. We should strive to lead virtuous lives, as righteousness and piety not only glorify God but also benefit humanity and society as a whole. The apostle Peter advised, “Dear friends, I urge you, as temporary residents and foreigners, to avoid sinful desires that wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Following sinful cravings is always detrimental, and lust conflicts with what is pure, healthy, and good.

The Bible justly cautions everyone who persists in the sin of lust to turn away from it. Those who repeatedly violate this divine command will face judgment. The most severe punishment from God is eternal damnation in Hell.

Numerous individuals assert that God is love, which is accurate. According to 1 John 4:8, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The scripture indicates that those who lack love are unfamiliar with God, as God embodies love.

Currently, it’s not so much that God is love, but rather that love has become a deity in itself. In today’s society, love is perceived as the ultimate goal and the most important aspect of life. The concept of love found in the Bible differs significantly from the interpretation humans have created.

It is essential to have an accurate and genuine comprehension of love according to the Word of God. If you love God, you will abandon a sinful lifestyle, rather than advocate for it, persist in it, or endorse it. In John 14:15, Jesus stated, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” A person who loves God will strive to obey His commandments. Authentic love involves speaking the truth, no matter your personal beliefs.

For instance, it wouldn’t be compassionate to let someone head into a dangerous situation without alerting them. If you noticed a house ablaze and its inhabitants were oblivious to the fire, the compassionate action would be to seek assistance and notify those inside about the imminent threat. Unfortunately, a lot of individuals today are unaware of the hazards associated with lusts and the detrimental impact of pursuing such sinful cravings.

Jesus said in John 14:21, “He that has my commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves me; but he that loves me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.”

The great love chapter of the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 13. Verses 4-6 say, “ Love has long patience, is kind; love is not emulous of others; love is not insolent and rash, is not puffed up, does not behave in an unseemly manner, does not seek what is its own, is not quickly provoked, does not impute evil, does not rejoice at iniquity but rejoices with the truth.” This is the biblical definition of love.

Love is enduring, implying it is patient. Love is benevolent, indicating a kind and thoughtful disposition. Love is not jealous, meaning it holds no grudges. Love does not boast. Love is not conceited, referring to pride and arrogance. Love does not harbour evil thoughts. Love acts with politeness. Love is not selfish. Love does not take pleasure in wrongdoing but celebrates the truth.

If you rejoice in your sins today then you do not love God nor His truth. Sexual immorality is sin. Fornication is sin. Promiscuity is sin. Having sexual intercourse outside of the bonds of marriage is a sin. Marriage is defined by God as the union of one man and one woman for life. Genesis 2:24 declares, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Search your heart now. Do you really love God? If not then repent and believe the Gospel while God has given you time. Call out to God. Ask Him to show you His love, mercy and grace.