Lust is something many Christians struggle with. In a world where everything is about looks, desire and quick gratification, it is not always easy to live purely. But Scripture is very clear about this: God intended sexuality to be something beautiful, holy and powerful within the context of marriage.
Why is lust an important issue for Christians?
Jesus explains in Matthew 15 that sins such as adultery and fornication (which lust often precedes) do not just appear out of nowhere. They stem from something deeper: our hearts. He puts the focus not just on behaviour, but on what goes on inside.
‘For from the heart come evil considerations, all murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These things it is that defile man...’ - Matthew 15:19-20
In God's eyes, purity is not just about what you do or don't do, but about the attitude of your heart. It is about learning to live according to God's perfect will. For it is His desire that we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:17).
14 Bible verses about lust
Are you looking for wisdom or direction on lust? These Bible verses will help you keep your heart and mind focused on God and His plan for love, sexuality and purity.
Matthew 5:28
‘But I tell you that all those who look at a woman to lust after her have already committed adultery with her in their hearts.’
1 Corinthians 6:18
‘Avoid fornication! No other sin that man can commit affects the body, but he who commits fornication sins against his own body.’
Job 31:1
‘I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then can I look covetously at a young woman?’
Galatians 5:16
‘So I say to you: be guided by the Spirit, then you will not give in to earthly lusts.’
Psalm 119:9
‘By what does a young man keep his path pure? If he keeps it according to Your word.’
2 Timothy 2:22
‘Shun the lusts of youth, pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.’
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
‘For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from fornication, and that each one of you know how to possess his body in sanctification and honour, and not in passionate lust, like the pagans, who do not know God.’
Proverbs 4:23
‘Guard your heart above all that can be guarded, for from it are the expressions of life.’
Romans 13:14
‘Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not be carried away by your earthly nature with its lusts.’
Colossians 3:5
‘Get rid, then, of all earthly sins, such as sexual sins, filthiness, passion, evil desires and greed. By always wanting more, you are worshipping an idol.’
Proverbs 6:25
‘Do not covet her beauty in your heart and do not let her catch you with her eyelids’
Ephesians 5:3
‘But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let them certainly not be called among you, as befits saints’
1 Corinthians 10:13
‘More than human temptation has not happened to you. And God is faithful: He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle, but with the temptation He will also give you the outcome to endure it.’
Philippians 4:8
‘Brethren and sisters, therefore direct your thoughts to everything that is true, honourable, just, pure and beautiful and of good repute; in short, everything that is virtuous and praiseworthy.’
Struggling with lust as a Christian woman
Lust is a very real struggle, especially in the world we live in today - a world where sex is often seen as separate from love and marriage. Don't be discouraged when you fall, but keep coming back to Jesus! His grace is greater than your weakness and the Holy Spirit will help you grow every day. Bring it to the Lord in prayer and He will renew your heart. 🩷
