READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; 2:24; MATTHEW 5:27-30; 6:22-24

Most people do not realize how harmful pornography is. For many, porn consumption is considered a normal part of adolescence, and some say that it’s a healthy expression of sexuality. And God wants us to be healthy, right?

Well, yes, He does. And that’s exactly why He warns us in the Bible that lust, in any context, is a sin. And sin is damaging. Whenever we lust after a person, we are dehumanizing somebody who has been made in God’s image. We are taking that person and, in our minds, using them for our own gain instead of viewing them with selfless love and honoring the dignity that person has as an image-bearer of God.

You may not know this, but porn consumption fuels the sex trafficking industry. There is a good chance that the people in those pictures or videos did not consent to that lifestyle; they were likely threatened, coerced, or otherwise forced into producing pornographic content. Even if the actors in some content did consent, viewing porn from any producer supports the entire industry, including those who engage in sex trafficking.

The good news is that Jesus lived a sinless life for us, despite the temptations He felt (Hebrews 4:14-16). He died on the cross to take away our sin and resurrected from the dead to give us victory over sin and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with porn, there is hope. If you know Jesus, you have the power of His resurrection living inside you, and He is there to help you fight sin every step of the way—even when you fall. All your sins— past, present, and future—are forgiven in Christ. Lean into His incredible, ridiculous grace. • Taylor Eising

• Pornography, and every form of lust, are not good because they are outside of God’s good design. He created sex to be shared and enjoyed by a husband and wife within marriage. But lust and pornography warp the good gift of sex God has given us. Thankfully, Jesus offers us freedom. If you struggle with lust, who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk to about it? If you don’t struggle with this temptation, how can you support your friends who do?

• In Christ, we are dead to sin (Romans 6:6-7, 11, 15-23). How does this affect the way we battle with temptation?

• What are some ways you can pray for those involved in sex trafficking?

And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 (CSB)