The Difference Between Love and Lust
Someone once said, “You can’t help the first look, but the second is sin.” Jesus indicated that you can engage in immorality with simply a look. 1 John 2:16 says: "For 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.” Peter spoke of having “eyes full of adultery,” and Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Your eyes see only what your soul allows them to see. So what’s the difference between love and lust? Lust is when we intensely desire or crave something, especially in the sexual sense. Lust appeals to our self-centeredness and treats others as objects instead of people. Love, on the other hand, is an intentional devotion toward another, no matter what the circumstances. Love puts another person's needs before ours to ensure his or her well-being. Confusing the two can be dangerous and could lead to manipulation, a broken marriage, adultery, or a similar tragic situation. What goes on in our minds eventually influences the way we act. When we feel tempted to lust after someone, we must remember this verse: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
