Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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I am a 20 year old university student. I attend church regularly, a youth servant, and  minister of outreach in the church. I try my best to obey my father of confession, I am diligent at fasting, I pray either the Prime or Compline everyday...sometimes both. I read spiritual books everyday and the Bible not as much (maybe about 2 times a week on average). 
I feel like I am addicted to sexual lusts (mental adultery). I try hard after my confessions to fight against my addictions but quickly I fall back into them. This is a serious sin and addiction that has held a strong grip on my life for many years. I don't know how to break free...I want to be free. I do believe the power of God can help but I feel the state of the sin is very big (an addiction). How can I free myself of this sin, I need your advice.

Lust is the work of the flesh but with self-control the work of the flesh will be overcome. Stop convincing yourself that you are addicted to that sin, Keep on feeding yourself with positive thoughts about how triumphant you are in our Lord Jesus Christ. Stick to these positive thoughts and attitude, learn to master your desires and passions and do not let them have control over you. It may seem hard to overcome our own desires, as St. Paul says, "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice" (Rom 7:19). Nevertheless, he also says, "Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24). When it seems too hard for you, remember that you are not alone. Beside that, if you call upon the Lord from all your heart, He will work in you "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Once thoughts of lust start in your mind, chase them away immediately. Do not give them the chance to grow and control you. Do not put yourself in a position or in contact with the source of sin. Think instantly of the Lord, pray or start reading the Holy Books of Proverbs or Psalms. Keep repeating to yourself 'I must resist and do not give in' as the Holy Bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Learn and say repeatedly Jesus' prayer:"Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me."

The more we want to be with the Lord the more will Satan tempt us. We need to persist in resisting him in faith. St. Paul warned us against this powerful enemy "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12).

Never lose hope but pray incessantly that the Lord may hear your prayers and deliver you from sin.
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