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What does the Bible say about sexual fantasies?

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The Bible calls believers to reject lustful fantasies and to pursue purity of heart, trusting Christ’s forgiveness and the Spirit’s power for changed desires. Jesus teaches that lustful looking is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28), while Proverbs urges guarding the heart and refusing to cherish another person’s beauty for sinful desire (Proverbs 4:23; 6:25). Christians are to walk by the Spirit rather than gratify the flesh (Galatians 5:16), put earthly passions to death, and set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2-5). God’s will is holiness, and he graciously calls the repentant to turn from wicked thoughts and receive mercy (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Isaiah 55:7).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 5:28

    but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Galatians 5:16

    But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

    [3] For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, [4] that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, [5] not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don't know God; [6] that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. [7] For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. [8] Therefore he who rejects doesn't reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.

  • Proverbs 4:23

    Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it is the wellspring of life.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

  • Matthew 5:8

    Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

  • Colossians 3:2-5

    [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

  • Proverbs 6:25

    Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, Neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.

  • John 7:24

    Don't judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

  • Isaiah 55:7

    let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

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