Originally posted by RayMarshall19:
What is your definition of "lust"?
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
G1937
ἐπιθυμέω
epithumeō
ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o
From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise): - covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
When you set your heart on something you have, by an act of your will, decided you are willing for that thought to become reality. It is more than mere desire or attraction. It is when you cross the line from "I would Like..." to "I will if I can..." A couple dating could have the strongest desire imaginable and yet refrain, in order to obey God, and have not sinned. God created that attraction but He told us to control it and not the other way around. We are not animals and we have the ability to control ourselves.