Pride. Greed. Lust. Envy. Gluttony. Wrath. Sloth.
Taught in the confines of our homes, mentioned in a school book, or incorporated in religion: the seven deadly sins are introduced to us all at a young age. The seven sins, aka the seven categorized behaviours and feelings, are evil and inspire more sin.
Today, how about we focus on one of those very sins – lust. Is it truly a sin, and does it belong up there among those other vices? Let’s find out.
First Off, What Is Lust?
To put it simply – lust is having a strong desire for something or someone. One could be lusting after an attractive person or even a premium sports car. But, in most cases, lust is sexual. Sexual lust is when you’re increasingly focused on a person’s body and looks. You experience intense sexual desire and are motivated more by lust than love.
Do Women Even Lust?
There are several people (women included) who dismiss women’s lust as something unreal and non-existent. To them, lust is something only men encounter and struggle with. Sexual fantasies, porn, masturbation – all of these are considered to be adhering to men alone. If you hold a similar opinion and are reading this article, here’s a little newsflash: YES, women lust too and experience temptations just as men do!
I find it particularly amusing that when you resort to Google to know what lust is, most examples and statements depict men lusting for women. Information on women, their sexual desires, and lusty feelings are barely captured online. This might not sound like a big deal, but it does have adverse effects. The lack of conversation around girls and women lusting after someone or something deems it likely a taboo. The women who experience such feelings find themselves lost and torn, so much so that they sometimes even punish themselves for “sinning”.
So, Is Lust And Lusting A Sin?
Girls, tell me if you have ever felt like this: you are watching a movie or tv show and suddenly a hot, physically attractive, almost naked man (or for those who swing the other way – an attractive woman) appears. You begin to feel a certain sense of excitement and desire looking at said person. Well, that is lust for you – but is feeling this way a sin? Absolutely NOT. And no, this isn’t just limited to fictional characters you see in movies or read about in books. If you find yourself lusting after someone you know in real life or the person you’re dating, do know that it’s entirely normal!
Staying Silent Doesn’t Help
When we are young girls, or even as we grow into young adults, women’s sexual desires are entirely untold and unheard of. The only conversations that suddenly come into existence are when we are to be married. That is when we are encouraged to cater to and satisfy our husband’s needs. “Always let your husband initiate sex and simply offer your body for sex”. It’s so disheartening to see how society completely fails to recognize how horrible an impact this has on women.
Not only does it cause sexual frustration but, it also leaves many girls confused, struggling, and under confident about their sexuality. We begin to associate lustful thoughts with shame and create a negative image of sex itself in our minds. Sometimes, marriages fail as women are suddenly unable to switch their feelings on lust and sexuality overnight!
Embrace Your Desires!
If you find yourself thinking about sex, satisfaction, your sexual desires, try not to evade these thoughts. Embrace the lust, embrace those desires, and create a safe space for yourself as well as those around you. Reach out to those you trust in to express your feelings. Your girl gang and best friends can be great people to share your thoughts with and express yourself freely without fear of judgement.
Whether you’re a sister, wife, mother, young or old, whether you are married or unmarried – know that there is no expiry date on lust and feelings. Acknowledge and accept lust as natural biological feelings that are meant to be experienced. Just remember not to negatively harm or hurt another person’s feelings in this process.
The bottom line? There is nothing “dirty” about expressing or owning your sexuality. And if anyone says that lust is a sin, send them the link to this article. And just get that vibrator you’ve been eyeing for so long, girl!
Featured Image Credit: Ankita Sancheti