5 Truths to Strengthen You Against Pornography Use

One thing that helped me was learning that sexuality is wonderful and sacred, not shameful. Our God-given sexual feelings and desires help us create children and have joy, love, and unity with our spouses when we are married. God commands us to use our sexual capacity only within marriage so that we can experience the full goodness of this power.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that sexual relations “are not merely a curiosity to be explored, an appetite to be satisfied, or a type of recreation or entertainment to be pursued selfishly” but are “one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife.”

Our longings to express love within marriage are righteous desires. And “experiencing sexual feelings and sexual arousal is normal” for both women and men. But Satan tries to use our desires to manipulate us. He tempts us to direct our sexual capacity toward harmful behaviors instead of divine purposes.

The views of the world claim that masturbation and viewing pornography are harmless or even healthy behaviors. At times I tried to use these ideas to rationalize or justify my actions. I would tell myself, “This doesn’t affect anyone else, so it’s not causing any harm.”

However, I found that justifying my behavior did not bring me peace. Instead, I felt empty, unhappy, and trapped by my habits. I began to recognize that my behaviors—which I already knew were contrary to God’s commandments—were keeping me from connecting with God and finding real joy.

Although I wanted to change my habits, sometimes it seemed impossible. But I found hope by turning to Jesus Christ.

I learned that He has compassion for everyone who is weak, hurting, or burdened. He deepened my desire to repent and be free and gave me strength to choose better behaviors. Although I stumbled many times, He helped me gradually “shake off the chains” that were weighing me down (2 Nephi 1:23).

I started to replace my harmful habits with activities that brought me real fulfillment, like spending time with loved ones, developing my talents, and studying the gospel. I also found strength by counseling with my bishop and other supportive people.

Even when I was making progress, sometimes I would still feel discouraged or ashamed, but I tried to trust in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I had to exercise faith that even in my weakness, His grace was sufficient for me (see Ether 12:27).

Elder J. Devn Cornish, emeritus General Authority Seventy, taught, “If you will really try and will not rationalize or rebel—repenting often and pleading for the grace, or help, of Christ—you positively are going to be ‘good enough,’ that is, acceptable before the Lord.”

The prophet Alma taught, “Bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love” (Alma 38:12). Bridle can mean direct, control, or restrain.

I found that when I acted on my sexual feelings in unrestrained or unrighteous ways, I experienced a sense of emptiness. But when I bridled and directed my sexual feelings toward righteous purposes, I was filled with love.

While I was single, I found strength by focusing on my righteous desire to someday express my sexuality within an eternal marriage. When I faced temptation, I tried to remember that what I really wanted was lasting love, not temporary gratification. I also found wholeness and happiness by connecting with others and strengthening my relationships with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, my family, and my friends.

Eventually, I met someone I would later marry. Together, we strove to live the law of chastity and prepare for temple marriage. We were motivated by our love for the Lord, our love for each other, and our desire to have a happy, healthy eternal relationship.

Now, as we honor our marriage covenant, we enjoy the full blessings of our God-given sexuality. Our commitment to each other and to Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to experience fulfillment, oneness, and joy.

It can be hard to keep the law of chastity and avoid harmful habits, especially if you’re feeling lonely or waiting for the opportunity to get married.

But the Savior has power to help us overcome temptation and find wholeness. President Russell M. Nelson recently testified: “Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul.”

God wants you to experience sexual fulfillment and joy in the way He intended. He will help you navigate the covenant path. He is full of compassion and can help you overcome your struggles and receive your righteous desires.