Question: Mr. McLemore, I have been experiencing strong desires to do things I know are sinful, but I have not acted on them. Should I feel guilty?

Answer: Actually, you should feel grateful because you have resisted temptation! In order to avoid improper feelings of guilt, it is helpful to recognize the difference between temptation and sin. Please read James 1:13-15. James distinguishes between desire, decision, and act. He says that it is when we formulate a plan for gratifying a sinful desire and put that plan into action that sin occurs. It is not a sin to be tempted, because Jesus was tempted yet never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). See Matthew 5:28 and Mark 7:20-23. These passages emphasize that the process that leads to sin involves desire and planning to fulfill that desire. Thus, the way to keep from sinning is to put a halt to the process at the point of desire. The most effective method for doing that is to allow one’s heart to be filled with a strong desire for doing something good. Jesus did this by recalling Scripture and engaging in fervent prayer (Matthew 4:1-11; 26:39-44). Let us do likewise!