God helps us to deal with temptation.

 

What are the first things you notice about someone you’re attracted to? Is it his or her hair, eyes, or maybe smile? What are your first thoughts when you see someone you’re attracted to? Do you want to talk with and get to know him or her?

 

We all struggle with temptation. Concerning someone we’re attracted to, that temptation we feel, that strong attraction and desire, can turn into lust. Lust is described as a very strong sexual desire for someone. And while the feelings may come and go, acting on those desires can get us into a lot of trouble. Lust is very dangerous. In Matthew 5:28 Jesus says if a man lusts after a woman, he’s already committing adultery in his heart. Jesus says even just looking at another woman with lust is equal to cheating on your wife! Lust is that serious – even the emotion, to Jesus, is sinful.

 

Christians are called to lives of purity. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 that we’re called to live “sanctified” lives – lives that are pure and set apart from the world. Our lives, our relationships are supposed to be pure. Men are to treat women with honor and respect – and women are to treat men the same way.

 

Ariana Grande sings about sneaking around with a man, of falling into temptation willingly. This kind of behavior is celebrated in her music and in her videos. If you ever feel tempted in your relationships, whether it’s to have sex or to lust after another person, keep in mind what Scripture says. Keep in mind the lives we’re to lead as Christians.

 

Temptations will come and go. And as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, there is no temptation you’ll experience that someone else hasn’t. There is no temptation that you can experience that God can’t help you out of. So men, respect the women around you. Women respect the men in your own lives. Above all respect and honor God, who created you to love others as He loves us.