Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #11 — Virtual Vs. Reality

Picture: Counsel #11 — Virtual Vs. Reality CLi 98.1

Aside from the biological and spiritual side effects, pornography also negatively impacts relationships by distorting perceptions of intimacy, trust, and connection. Someone who regularly consumes porn will develop unrealistic expectations about their partner regarding their physical appearance and sexual performance, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction with the relationship. CLi 98.2

In any relationship or marriage, both partners should feel respected as well as emotionally connected. If pornography is an issue in the relationship, one partner will feel objectified and inadequate — ruining the foundation of genuine intimacy. As children of the Most High, God desires for our relationships to be fully transparent and void of lies or secrecy — two things pornography breeds. In a marriage or a developing committed relationship, God must be the foundation; otherwise, the devil will use outside influences such as pornography to attack the union that was originally created for the purpose of God’s glory, and His glory alone.^[89] CLi 98.3

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28 NIV CLi 98.4

“Let bride and bridegroom in the presence of the heavenly universe pledge themselves to love one another as God has ordained they should.” Ellen White in Letters to Young Lovers, p. 5 CLi 98.5

Reflect: Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who watches pornography? If so, how has that impacted the connection between you? CLi 98.6