Porn is very pleasurable in the moment but after using it/watching it there is immense guilt that can be very difficult to get over. Feeling the guilt is good because it reminds you of the wrong thing that you have done and that you need to work on yourself and overcome the addiction. Many times people use porn to cure something that they are dealing with and we’ve touched on this topic before on previous articles. There is a big difference between guilt and shame just like there is a big difference between conviction and temptation.

Please note that this is a Christian run blog so all the content published here is centered around Christian principles. Conviction is the temptation to do good or not to do bad, for example if someone suggests that you go rob a bank with them so that you may become rich. You may like the idea at first but when you realise the consequences you are most likely to turn around and say no because you don’t want to harm anyone or suffer the consequences of it. Temptation on the other hand overrides the thought of the consequences and makes it seem like it’s a worthwhile experience that will not bring any trouble which is obviously a lie.

Temptation represents itself as conviction sometimes, because the idea of becoming rich after one successful heist seems like an easy way out and that you can do so much for yourself and others. Shame on the other hand disguises itself as guilt and makes you feel like you are worthless and that you will overcome your addiction and it just plants so many negative thoughts into your mind. Like I mentioned it before guilt is a good thing because it reminds you or let’s say warns you to do better and work on yourself. Shame feeds on your guilt and makes you remain low and less willing to work on yourself and it’s the one thing that keeps you going back to the addiction.

That’s way if you have fallen let’s say twice or thrice in one day your mind can later say “well I did it once so I can do it again.”

Effective Practices to Deal With Shame

The first thing you must acknowledge and should always remember when dealing with porn addiction is that you are a human being, you are weak and vulnerable and will fall again here and there. Don’t try to be perfect instead try to be better. This however doesn’t mean that you should tolerate or accommodate unwanted sexual behaviour, this instead means that when you fall realise what you have done and repent of it. Turn to God and ask for forgiveness immediately instead of spending time worrying about the wrong deed that you have committed.

If you keep worrying about what you have done wrong you’ll over indulge in guilt which can later turn into unending shame which can keep you hooked to porn. This is what the Bible says about falling into sin,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; - Philippians 4:6 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 NKJV

Confessing our sins means saying something like this in prayer,

“Lord I know I have done wrong against You, I watched something (porn) I shouldn’t have, I realise what I have done and it’s effect on my life and relationship with You, please forgive me for my sins in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Philippians 4:6 (show above) says in everything by prayer we should let God know what we need. And after we have prayed for forgiveness God will grant it as long we live and abide by His word. We cannot earn or work for salvation which is God’s forgiveness and freedom from sin for us, it is a free gift that He gives and remembering that can keep us moving forward instead of backward. Shame keeps us going backward but when you feel guilt then repent by confessing your sin to God instead of doing nothing and letting guilt turn into shame which can end up harming your faith and journey in overcoming this addiction.

After confessing your sins, avoid whatever triggers you into watching porn God’s forgiveness and grace is not an excuse to using porn, God doesn’t work with us that way. If you need more help in identifying and avoiding your triggers then check the read next section of this article below or by going to the home page (click the word "Boot" on your top left). I pray that this helped you, stay blessed and see you next time.

About Daniel Hebron

Daniel Hebron founded Boot Motivation in 2022 with the aim of inspiring and empowering society through Christian values and beliefs, creating a platform that promotes faith, personal growth, and positive change.