Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

I have a big problem with lust. I have been fighting my evil desires for years now, but I continue to stumble and sin. I don't want to commit this sin anymore, but when I am tempted to do it, I am so weak, and I just fall again. I repent with tears and confess regularly. I pray, read the Holy Bible, and fast, but still, can't overcome the sin. I am really distressed and sad because I don't feel God's presence because of my sins. How can I overcome this sin? I know that I must keep fighting and never lose hope, but I'm starting to get very worried. Please give me some practical and spiritual advice that will help me.

You say you have repented with tears and that you confess regularly, I wonder if your repentance is really from the heart or is it at the spur of the moment. Are you serious about ridding yourself of sinful lustful habits? Are you serious about not becoming a slave to your senses but making your senses your slave and you the victorious conqueror? I am sure you prefer freedom to slavery. Freedom has so much to it; and the bitterness that follows sin by far outweighs the momentary pleasure of sin. David the prophet fell in the same sin of lust which led him to adultery and murder (2 Sam 11). However, when he realized what he had  done, he truly repented and prayed to the Lord the Holy Book of Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in the Agpeya book) and there is no mention in the Holy Bible that he committed this sin ever again.

You have already identified your sin as lust. What have you done to stay away from it? You need to distance yourself from the people, places and any setting that invoke lustful feelings. Remind yourself of the shame and bitterness that you feel after committing the sin until you develop a repulsive feeing towards it. Satan is a liar and will tell you lies. Do not listen to him. Talk to yourself in a loud voice with verses from the bible. What you really lack is self control. Lust is the work of the flesh and without self-control; the work of the flesh cannot be overcome. You must learn to master your desires and passions and do not let them have control over you. "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls" (Prov 25:28). It is sometimes 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). But remember the Scriptures "Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24) if you feel this is too hard for you, remember that you are not alone; and if you truly ask 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). If temptation, or even the thought of it, comes your way, quickly chase it away of your mind and occupy yourself with the thought of the Lord who died on the cross for all sinners.

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

Another important point is that victory is a gift from God given to the spiritual fighters in due time. So, if you fight sincerely against sin, you are accepted even if you don't overcome sin yet. In due time, God will give you the victory.
Home | Ask A Question | Search Q&A