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Your FeelingsQuestions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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SECTION 7
Your Feelings
Which of the following statements best describes you?
□ I have problems controlling my temper.
□ I’m a total failure—I can’t do anything right.
□ I’m always sad. There’s no joy in my life.
□ I just can’t keep my mind off the opposite sex.
□ I sometimes feel attracted to the same sex.
If you selected any of the above statements, don’t despair! Chapters 26-29 will help you learn how to control your feelings so that your feelings do not control you.
[Full-page picture on page 216, 217]
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How Can I Control My Emotions?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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CHAPTER 26
How Can I Control My Emotions?
WHAT do you think—is fire good or bad? You probably would say that the answer depends on the circumstances. On a cold winter night, logs burning in a fireplace can provide much-needed warmth. That’s good. Uncontrolled, however, the flames can quickly spread and destroy the entire house. That’s bad.
It’s similar with your emotions. When controlled, they’re beneficial, enabling you to develop warm friendships. Unrestrained, your emotions can be destructive, not only to you but also to those around you.
As an adolescent, you may at times find yourself overwhelmed by anger or sadness. How can you control those emotions? Let’s discuss them one at a time.
Defusing Anger
It isn’t easy to deal with the hurt and pain that arise when you’re a victim of mistreatment. Some in that position lose their self-control. In fact, the Bible speaks of people who are “given to anger” and “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 22:24; 29:22) This is no trivial matter. Uncontrolled anger can cause you to take action that you’ll later regret. So how can you control your emotions when you’ve been mistreated?
First, analyze the situation squarely, and see if you can settle the matter in your heart.a (Psalm 4:4) Remember, paying back “injury for injury” will just make matters worse. (1 Thessalonians 5:15) After thinking the matter over and praying about it, you might find that you’re able to let go of resentment. Once you do that, you will reduce its hold on you.—Psalm 37:8.
But what if the hurt just won’t go away? The Bible says that there is “a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) Can you approach the person who hurt you? If that’s not advisable, you might benefit by talking to your parents or a mature friend about how you feel. If someone is purposely trying to harass you, make a special effort to be kind to that one. The chart on page 221 can help you to think up additional responses to situations that until now may have made you react impulsively.
By all means, pray to Jehovah, and ask him to help you avoid building up resentment toward the individual who hurt you. Remember this: Although you can’t change what happened, you can change your reaction to what happened. If you let yourself be consumed with resentment, you become as helpless as a hooked fish. You allow someone else to lead your thinking and emotions. Wouldn’t you rather be the one who is in control?—Romans 12:19.
Coping With Sadness
“Recently I have been moody and overly self-critical,” says 16-year-old Laura. “I get no joy out of life. I cry myself to sleep.” Like Laura, many young people feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life. What about you? Demands from your parents, friends, and teachers; the physical and emotional changes of puberty; or the feeling that you’re a failure because of some minor shortcoming—these things may leave you feeling miserable.
Some young people even resort to self-injury to relieve anguish.b If you’ve fallen victim to such a habit, try to discern the reason. For example, self-injury is often a way of coping with some form of stress. Is there a situation—perhaps with regard to your family or friends—that is causing you distress?
One of the best ways to deal with troubled feelings is to talk to a parent or a mature member of the Christian congregation who could prove to be one who is “born for when there is distress.” (Proverbs 17:17) Liliana, 16, confided in some adult Christian sisters. “Since they are older than I am,” she says, “their advice is sound. They have become my friends.”c Dana, 15, says that she gained a measure of relief by increasing her share in the Christian ministry. “It was the best thing I could have done,” she says. “In fact, it was the happiest time of my life!”
Above all, if you’re sad and depressed, don’t neglect prayer. The psalmist David, who was no stranger to adversity, wrote: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) Jehovah knows about your suffering. More than that, “he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) If your heart condemns you, remember that ‘God is greater than your heart and knows all things.’ (1 John 3:20) He understands even better than you do why you’re distressed, and he can lift your emotional burdens.
If sadness persists, it could be that you suffer from a health disorder, such as depression.d If that’s the case, it would be good for you to get a medical checkup. Ignoring the situation would be like turning up the volume of a car radio to drown out a knocking noise in the engine. It’s far better to address the matter. Really, there’s no need to be ashamed of your condition. Many youths who suffer from depression and related disorders are being helped through treatment.
Remember, your emotions are like fire. When controlled, they’re beneficial; when unrestrained, they’re destructive. Do your best to keep your emotions in check. True, on occasion you will likely say or do things that you later regret. But be patient. In time, you’ll learn to control your emotions so that your emotions do not control you.
Are you a perfectionist? If so, how can you learn to cope with your failings?
[Footnotes]
a If the mistreatment involves bullying, see Chapter 14 of this book for suggestions on how to deal with the situation. On the other hand, if a friend has made you angry, you may find the information in Chapter 10 helpful.
b Self-injurers deliberately hurt themselves by various means, such as cutting, burning, bruising, or scraping their skin.
c If you can’t bear a face-to-face talk, try writing a letter or speaking over the phone. Confiding is often the first step toward emotional healing.
d For more information on depression, see Volume 1, chapter 13.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.”—Romans 12:21.
TIP
Each day, tell your parent(s) one good thing that happened to you—even if it’s just a little thing. Then when a serious problem arises, you’ll find it easier to talk to them. And they’ll be more inclined to listen.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
When your body is deprived of sufficient rest and nutrition, you’re less capable of dealing with your feelings.
ACTION PLAN!
The negative emotion I contend with most is ․․․․․
I will deal with this negative emotion by ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why is uncontrolled anger displeasing to God?
● In what ways can having an angry disposition hurt you?
● What are some ways you can cope with sadness?
[Blurb on page 223]
“The most important thing was knowing that someone really cared about me, that there was someone I could talk to when things looked bleak.”—Jennifer
[Chart/Pictures on page 221]
Worksheet
Control Your Anger
Complete the chart
Event
A classmate ridicules me
Impulsive reaction
Respond with an insult
Better response
Ignore the remark, and show my classmate that he will not provoke me
Event
My sister “borrowed” my favorite shoes without asking me
Impulsive reaction
Retaliate by “borrowing” something of hers
Better response
․․․․․
Event
My parents say I’m grounded
Impulsive reaction
․․․․․
Better response
․․․․․
[Picture on page 220]
A person who harbors resentment is like a hooked fish—both are controlled by someone else
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Why Do I Feel That I Have to Be Perfect?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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CHAPTER 27
Why Do I Feel That I Have to Be Perfect?
Do you become upset if you get anything less than a perfect score on a test?
□ Yes
□ No
Do you feel like a complete failure when you receive any type of criticism?
□ Yes
□ No
Do you find it hard to make or keep friends because no one seems to measure up to your standards?
□ Yes
□ No
IF YOU answered yes to one or more of the above questions, you may have a problem with perfectionism. ‘But what’s wrong with trying to do things just right?’ you might ask. Nothing, of course. The Bible praises the man who is “skillful in his work.” (Proverbs 22:29) The perfectionist, however, takes things to an extreme.
For example, 19-year-old Jason admits: “During my last year of school, I felt that if I didn’t get a perfect score on my tests, I wasn’t a good student at all. I also play piano, and I used to feel that I had to perform with the skill of a concert pianist.”
Perfectionism might even impede a person’s worship. Consider what can happen to a youth who is constantly held up as an example to others. Always in the limelight, he may feel as though he’s walking a tightrope, with everyone scrutinizing his performance. Of course, Christians young and old benefit from good examples in the congregation. Yet, the quest to maintain a perfect image may cause a youth to lose his joy in God’s service. If that happens, the youth needs help. But he might not ask for it, fearing that he’ll disappoint those who think so highly of him. He might even be tempted to give up completely, reasoning, ‘If I can’t live up to the perfect ideal, why try at all?’
Battling Perfectionism
Perfectionists labor under the illusion that mistakes should never be made. Really, though, that viewpoint is flawed. The Bible plainly states: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) It’s impossible, then, for any of us to be perfect in the absolute sense. In fact, believing that you can do things perfectly is as absurd as thinking that you can leap off the ground and fly. No matter how firmly you believe this, it’s just not going to happen!
How can you keep a perfectionist mind-set from taking over your life? Try the following:
Redefine “success.” Are you wearing yourself out trying to be the very best? The Bible indicates that such an effort can prove to be like “chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4, Today’s English Version) The fact is, few people ever succeed at being “the best.” And even when a person does, it’s usually just a matter of time before someone comes along who performs better. Success means doing your best—not outdoing someone else’s.—Galatians 6:4.
Be realistic. Your expectations should be equal to your abilities and limitations. Setting the bar too high for yourself can be a sign of immodesty—even egotism. The apostle Paul gives sound advice: “I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think.” (Romans 12:3) So be realistic. Revise your expectations. Seek to do your best but not to achieve perfection.
Lighten up! Try doing some things that you’re not good at, such as playing a musical instrument. True, you’re bound to make lots of mistakes. This time, though, try to view your errors in a different light. The Bible says that there’s “a time to laugh.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) So why not take a lighthearted approach? Doing so will help you to see that making mistakes is simply part of the learning process. Admittedly, it may not be easy for you to handle doing a less-than-perfect job. But make a conscious effort to push negative, critical thoughts out of your mind.
Always remember that Jehovah doesn’t demand perfection; he simply expects us to be faithful to him. (1 Corinthians 4:2) If you’re striving to be faithful, you can truly be happy with who you are—even though you aren’t perfect.
Homosexuality is widely accepted today. How can you avoid it? What if you have homosexual desires?
KEY SCRIPTURE
“There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.”—Ecclesiastes 7:20.
TIP
Think of a task that you’ve held off from performing, simply because you were afraid of not doing it perfectly. Then set a date to complete it.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
Jehovah is perfect, but when dealing with imperfect humans, he is not a perfectionist. He is neither unreasonable nor unrealistic in what he expects of us.
ACTION PLAN!
When I become unreasonably critical of myself, I will ․․․․․
When I become unreasonably critical of others, I will ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● In what areas of life, if any, do you tend to set unreasonably high goals for yourself?
● What Bible passages make it clear to you that Jehovah God doesn’t expect perfection of his servants?
● Why might others draw away from you if you’re a perfectionist?
● In the future, how will you deal with your mistakes?
[Blurb on page 226]
“Doing your best and being a perfectionist are two different things; one is balanced and the other is not.”—Megan
[Box on page 228]
Perfectionism and Friendships
Have you shut people out of your life because they just aren’t good enough for you? Or have good people stayed away from you because your standards for friendship appear to be too high? The Bible advises us: “Do not become righteous overmuch, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you cause desolation to yourself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16) One way that the perfectionist causes desolation to himself is by alienating those who might otherwise enjoy his company. “No one likes to be around people who make them feel bad,” says a girl named Amber, “and I’ve seen perfectionists lose good friends over some very small things.”
[Picture on page 229]
Trying to be perfect is as futile as trying to fly
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Role Model—PaulQuestions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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Role Model—Paul
The apostle Paul is realistic about his feelings. He candidly admits: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” Paul is a good person at heart. “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within,” he writes. What’s the problem then? Paul says: “I behold . . . another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.” Paul’s failings don’t make him happy. “Miserable man that I am!” he exclaims.—Romans 7:21-24.
Do your mistakes cause you to feel miserable? If so, remember that even Paul felt that way at times. But Paul also knew that Christ died for people like him, leading him to exclaim: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Paul viewed the ransom as a personal gift. He wrote: “The Son of God . . . loved me and handed himself over for me.” (Galatians 2:20) When you feel down, reflect on the ransom. And if your failings discourage you, never forget that Christ died for sinners, not for perfect people.
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How Can I Avoid Homosexuality?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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CHAPTER 28
How Can I Avoid Homosexuality?
“During my teens I struggled with an attraction to other males. Deep down, I knew those thoughts weren’t normal.”—Olef.
“My girlfriend and I kissed once or twice. Since I still liked boys, I wondered if I might be bisexual.”—Sarah.
FEW would deny that homosexuality is talked about more openly today than it was several decades ago. And just try to say that you disapprove of it! Likely, you will be bombarded with criticism. Says 16-year-old Amy, “One girl told me that I must be prejudiced against people of other races, because my opinion of homosexuality amounted to the same thing—prejudice!”
Today’s permissive attitudes have prompted a number of youths to experiment with same-sex relationships. “Many girls in my school claim to be either lesbian, bisexual, or ‘bi-curious,’” says 15-year-old Becky. Christa, 18, finds the situation similar at her school. “Two classmates have actually propositioned me,” she says. “One wrote me a note asking if I wanted to see what it was like to be with a girl.”
With same-sex relationships being touted so openly, you may begin to wonder: ‘Is homosexuality really that bad? What if I’m attracted to someone of my sex? Does that mean I’m gay?’
How Does God View Homosexuality?
Today, many people—even some clergymen—soft-pedal the issue of homosexuality. Yet, God’s Word, the Bible, leaves no room for confusion. It tells us that Jehovah God made man and woman and that he purposed for sexual desires to be fulfilled only between a husband and a wife. (Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:24) It comes as no surprise, then, that the Bible condemns homosexual acts.—Romans 1:26, 27.
Some would say that God’s Word is out-of-date. But why, do you think, are they so quick to make that claim? Could it be because the Bible’s view conflicts with their own? Many reject God’s Word simply because it teaches something different from what they want to believe. That view is biased, though, and we should rise above such closed-minded thinking!
But what if you feel attracted to a member of the same sex? Does this automatically mean that you’re a homosexual? No. Remember, you’re in “the bloom of youth,” a period when you’re subject to involuntary sexual arousal. (1 Corinthians 7:36) If at times you feel an attraction to a member of the same sex, be assured that this doesn’t mean that you’re gay. Such inclinations usually fade with time. Meanwhile, you must keep from getting involved in homosexual practices. How?
Pray about the matter. Implore Jehovah as David did: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.” (Psalm 139:23, 24) Jehovah can fortify you with a peace that “excels all thought.” This can ‘guard your heart and your mental powers’ and give you “power beyond what is normal” to keep from acting on wrong desires.—Philippians 4:6, 7; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Fill your mind with upbuilding thoughts. (Philippians 4:8) Read the Bible daily. Never underestimate its power to shape your mind and heart for good. (Hebrews 4:12) A young man named Jason says: “The Bible—including such scriptures as 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 and Ephesians 5:3—has had a powerful effect on me. I read these scriptures whenever wrong desires occur.”
Shun pornography and gay propaganda. (Colossians 3:5) Avoid anything that will arouse immoral desires. This would include pornography, certain TV shows and movies, and perhaps even fashion or bodybuilding magazines that feature lightly clad models. Change negative thoughts to positive ones. “Whenever I have homosexual urges,” says one teenage boy, “I meditate on my favorite Bible text.”
Of course, some claim that there’s no point in doing all this, that you should simply ‘embrace your sexuality’ and ‘accept who you are.’ But the Bible says that you can do better than that! It tells us, for example, that some early Christians who had formerly practiced homosexuality changed. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) You too can win the battle—even if at this point it’s only being waged in your heart.
What if same-sex desires persist? Do not give in to them! Jehovah condemns homosexual acts. Thus, the person who struggles with same-sex desires is presented with a reachable goal—he or she can choose not to act on those desires.
To illustrate: A person might be “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 29:22) In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self-control. Does this mean that he’ll never again feel anger welling up inside him? No. However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he will strive hard not to succumb to his feelings.
It’s similar with a person who is attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. But by viewing homosexuality the way Jehovah views it, a person can find the strength to resist that desire.
Don’t Give Up!
If you struggle with same-sex desires, you might feel as did one young man, who said: “I’ve tried to change my feelings. I’ve prayed to Jehovah for help. I read the Bible. I’ve heard talks on the subject. But I don’t know where to turn.”
If you’re in a similar situation, you clearly have a real fight on your hands. There’s no easy cure. Nevertheless, anyone who desires to please God must conform to His moral standards and shun immoral behavior, even though doing so may be agonizingly difficult. Never forget that God understands the struggle you have in your heart and that he has compassion for those who serve him.a (1 John 3:19, 20) When you obey God’s commandments, you open the way for receiving his blessing. In fact, in the keeping of God’s commands, “there is a large reward.” (Psalm 19:11) Even now, you’ll enjoy the best way of life possible in this troubled world.
So rely on God, and fight against wrong desires. (Galatians 6:9) Strive to “abhor what is wicked” and “cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) With time and effort, you are likely to find that the wrong desires diminish. Best of all, by avoiding homosexual practices, you’ll have the prospect of living forever in God’s righteous new world.
How can you control feelings of attraction to the opposite sex?
[Footnote]
a A Christian who has engaged in acts of sexual misconduct should seek the help of congregation elders.—James 5:14, 15.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way.”—Psalm 139:23, 24.
TIP
To develop a healthy view of masculinity, study the example of Jesus. (1 Peter 2:21) He was a perfect model of masculine power combined with gentleness.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
Although you may not have complete control over your desires, you do have control over your actions. You can choose not to act on wrong desires.
ACTION PLAN!
If someone asks me why the Bible condemns homosexuality, I will say ․․․․․
If someone says that the Bible’s view is narrow-minded, I will reason with him by saying ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why does God disapprove of homosexuality?
● What practical steps can you take to avoid being ensnared by homosexuality?
● Does adopting God’s view of homosexuality mean that you’re homophobic (exhibiting a hatred or strong dislike of homosexuals)?
[Blurb on page 236]
“The world’s warped thinking affected my mind and added to my sexual confusion. Now I steer clear of anything or anyone that promotes homosexuality.”—Anna
[Picture on page 233]
All youths face a choice—either to adopt the world’s degraded view of sexuality or to follow the high moral path set forth in God’s Word
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How Can I Keep My Mind off Sex?Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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CHAPTER 29
How Can I Keep My Mind off Sex?
“I FIND myself thinking about girls all the time—even when they’re not around,” says a young man named Michael. “It’s ridiculous. Sometimes I can’t even concentrate!”
Do you, like Michael, spend much of your waking hours daydreaming about the opposite sex? If so, you may feel that you’re at war with your own brain. Thoughts about sex may march into your mind like enemy soldiers. “These thoughts can consume you,” says Michael. “They can make you take the long route to your car just to pass a cute girl or get you to walk down a store aisle when you don’t really need to just to take a closer look at someone.”
Remember, though, that sexual feelings aren’t evil in themselves. After all, God created man and woman to have a strong attraction for each other, and satisfying sexual desire is proper within the marriage arrangement. While you’re still single, you may experience intense sexual urges. If that happens, don’t think that you’re inherently bad or that you’re just not cut out for moral cleanness. You can be chaste if you choose to be! But being successful at your endeavor will require that you keep thoughts about the opposite sex under control. How can you do that?
Examine your associates. If your classmates start to talk about immoral sex, you might be tempted to join in—just so you don’t stand out as different. Really, though, this will only make it more difficult for you to control your thoughts. What should you do—just get up and leave? Certainly, and you need not feel awkward about doing so! Often you can find a way to leave without appearing self-righteous and inviting ridicule.
Shun immoral entertainment. Of course, not every movie or CD is bad. Still, much of today’s entertainment is designed to arouse improper sexual feelings. The Bible’s counsel? “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Steer clear of any entertainment that might stimulate immoral sexual desires.a
The Problem of Masturbation
Some youths attempt to alleviate sexual arousal by means of masturbation. But serious problems can result from this. The Bible urges Christians: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness.” (Colossians 3:5) Masturbation is the very opposite of ‘deadening sexual appetite.’ Indeed, it stimulates and nurtures that appetite!
Masturbation can make you a slave to your desires. (Titus 3:3) One way you can start to conquer the habit is to confide in someone. A Christian who struggled with masturbation for several years comments: “How I wish I could have summoned the courage to talk to someone about it when I was a youth! Feelings of guilt plagued me for many years, and it seriously affected my relationships with others and, above all, with Jehovah.”
Whom should you talk to? A parent is often the most logical choice. Or perhaps a mature member of the Christian congregation can help. You could start by saying, “I’d like to talk to you about a problem that’s bothering me a lot.”
André talked to a Christian elder, and he’s glad he did. “As the elder listened to me, his eyes filled with tears,” André says. “When I finished, he assured me of Jehovah’s love for me. He told me that my problem is a common one. He promised to check on my progress and to bring me more information from Bible-study aids. Talking with him, I resolved to keep up the fight—even if further relapses occurred.”
Mário decided to talk to his father, who proved to be very sympathetic and understanding. He even admitted to Mário that in his youth he himself had found it difficult to overcome the habit. “My father’s honesty and sincerity encouraged me greatly,” Mário says. “I reasoned that if he had been victorious, I could be too. I was so moved by my father’s attitude that I broke down and cried.”
Like André and Mário, you can find help in your efforts to conquer the habit of masturbation. Even if you encounter setbacks, don’t give up! Be assured that you can win the battle.b
Controlling Your Thoughts
The apostle Paul said: “I pummel my body and lead it as a slave.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Similarly, you may have to be strict with yourself when improper thoughts about the opposite sex seem to invade your mind. If the thoughts persist, try some physical exercise. The Bible says: “Bodily training is beneficial for a little.” (1 Timothy 4:8) A brisk walk or a few minutes of physical exercise may be all that you need to help you fight off the distracting thoughts.
Above all, don’t overlook the help that is available from your heavenly Father. “When I feel sexual urges coming on,” says one Christian, “I really make myself pray.” No, God won’t take away your interest in the opposite sex. But with his help, you can discover that there are many other things to think about.
[Footnotes]
b For more information on masturbation, see Volume 1, chapter 25.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.”—Philippians 4:8.
TIP
If you’ve relapsed into the habit of masturbation, don’t give up the fight! Analyze what led to the relapse, and try not to repeat the same pattern.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
What you allow your mind to dwell on can shape your personality and affect your actions.—James 1:14, 15.
ACTION PLAN!
When I need to get my mind off the opposite sex, I will ․․․․․
If conversation with classmates becomes suggestive or lewd, I will ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why should sexual feelings not always be viewed as “the enemy”?
● Why do you need to keep your sexual feelings under control?
● What types of entertainment might cause you to dwell on thoughts about the opposite sex?
● Why is it important to walk away from a conversation that has become suggestive or lewd?
[Blurb on page 240]
“What helps me is to change the subject—get my mind off the thoughts that cause me to feel excited. I remind myself that the feelings or urges will go away in time.”—Scott
[Picture on page 239]
Would you allow viruses to invade your computer? Then why invite immoral thoughts into your mind?
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My Journal—Your FeelingsQuestions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 2
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SECTION 7
My Journal—Your Feelings
What feeling do you find hardest to cope with, and how does it affect you?
․․․․․
How could you use the information in this section to help you deal with this feeling in the future?
․․․․․
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