The “gentleman’s club” that we pass on the way to church each Sunday had enough money to totally remodel their establishment. Wonderful. Sadly, a new facade doesn’t redeem inner brokenness.
The enemy sells counterfeit everything. He tells us that uncommitted sex equals freedom, beauty can be bought, and pornography doesn’t really hurt anyone. But they’re all lies. And believing them steals true joy and numbs our soul to God’s design.
But you probably know that. I mean, if you’re reading this blog then you probably haven’t visited your local strip club in a while. Probably. But statistically, pornography or some form of sexual distortion has likely affected you to some extent.
So what do we do when faced with the sexual sin of another?
1. Earnestly seek God before confrontation.
As believers, God calls us to unity. He instructs us to hold each other accountable. But we first must linger earnestly in prayer before confronting the sin of another. Because pride too quickly rises up. And pride makes us point fingers.
2. Give grace and then more grace.
True, some sin brings greater consequences. But sin is sin. And none of us are worthy of the grace God has poured out. None of us. May we not forget our personal desperation for mercy. May we remember that every single person on the planet is in process.
And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:16
3. Stand in the gap.
We lavish grace but we also remember that everyone will stand before their Maker and Judge. Everyone. So whether it’s someone in our home or a stranger on the street corner, we can intercede. There’s an enemy out to steal and destroy. And we as believers can engage the battle through prayer. We can stand in the gap for their souls. Otherwise we join the world in raising the white flag.
4. Let hope lift you.
For when it hits close to home, remember that God sees every tear. He fully understands every hurt. He’s the God who restores the broken. If we’re breathing, there’s hope. Press on in faith, believing that our Daddy-God still does mighty things.
Fill me, Lord…
How do you “handle” sexual sin?
Great post, Lara! Most women shy away from this topic for fear of ‘comment retribution.’ I’m blessed to have a husband who is repulsed by pornography. We have many friends whose marriages have been torn apart by it. How did I handle it? Prayer & Grace and gentle confrontation when necessary.
Ugh. The enemy so relentlessly attacks marriage. Praying with you for the restoration of many homes.
Great insight, thank you! I believe we’re thinking about the same “establishment”, when we drive past it and the parking lots are empty I ask my hubby if I can torch it. It’s disgusting. I need to redirect those thoughts to prayer. Praying for those to crave the Lord instead of their selfish desires…
Yes. That’s even a prayer I pray for myself — crave the Lord more than my selfish desires. We’re all so needy for grace. Thanks, Amanda!