Trying to avoid sexting

Let me provide some personal background to this topic first. I am a virgin male, and by virgin I mean in all respects. Yes, I've kissed and even made out with women. But I have never engaged in any form of sexual contact. By the way, this is a choice I have made, so I am not what is commonly referred to as an "incel." I guess this would make me a "volcel." If I really wanted to, I have at least one rather attractive female friend with whom I could have sex. She's made that abundantly clear.

But, I would prefer to save sex until marriage (if I ever marry). I'm not overweight or weird or ugly, I simply believe sex should be reserved for the marriage bed. I realize that this is rare among males and even causes others to doubt my sincerity, but I truly am a virgin, and voluntarily.

That doesn't mean I have not sexted, however. I have done so. Texts and images. It's not something I am proud of by any means. To me, it's a form of cheating - not on someone, but on our duties to live Christian lives. It's an affront to God. It's wrong.

I do worry that the next time I am in a relationship (if ever) I will be tempted to engage in some form of sex before marriage. The way I have rationalized sexting - and I know it's not a legitimate excuse or justification - is that it's a release of sexual tension and helps me avoid "going farther" or going all the way. Like a release on a pressure valve.

Anyway, I am praying hard to avoid and to stop engaging in this. The good news is that I am much more convicted about this than I have been in the past. I know it's a sin, and I am actively (and prayerfully) trying to stop it. This cannot be done by any power on my part, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to know if others struggle with this and how they deal with it. Also, what is the best way to avoid temptation in dating? Thank you for your time in reading this.

Let me provide some personal background to this topic first. I am a virgin male, and by virgin I mean in all respects. Yes, I've kissed and even made out with women. But I have never engaged in any form of sexual contact. By the way, this is a choice I have made, so I am not what is commonly referred to as an "incel." I guess this would make me a "volcel." If I really wanted to, I have at least one rather attractive female friend with whom I could have sex. She's made that abundantly clear.

But, I would prefer to save sex until marriage (if I ever marry). I'm not overweight or weird or ugly, I simply believe sex should be reserved for the marriage bed. I realize that this is rare among males and even causes others to doubt my sincerity, but I truly am a virgin, and voluntarily.

That doesn't mean I have not sexted, however. I have done so. Texts and images. It's not something I am proud of by any means. To me, it's a form of cheating - not on someone, but on our duties to live Christian lives. It's an affront to God. It's wrong.

I do worry that the next time I am in a relationship (if ever) I will be tempted to engage in some form of sex before marriage. The way I have rationalized sexting - and I know it's not a legitimate excuse or justification - is that it's a release of sexual tension and helps me avoid "going farther" or going all the way. Like a release on a pressure valve.

Anyway, I am praying hard to avoid and to stop engaging in this. The good news is that I am much more convicted about this than I have been in the past. I know it's a sin, and I am actively (and prayerfully) trying to stop it. This cannot be done by any power on my part, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to know if others struggle with this and how they deal with it. Also, what is the best way to avoid temptation in dating? Thank you for your time in reading this.

Let me provide some personal background to this topic first. I am a virgin male, and by virgin I mean in all respects. Yes, I've kissed and even made out with women. But I have never engaged in any form of sexual contact. By the way, this is a choice I have made, so I am not what is commonly referred to as an "incel." I guess this would make me a "volcel." If I really wanted to, I have at least one rather attractive female friend with whom I could have sex. She's made that abundantly clear.

But, I would prefer to save sex until marriage (if I ever marry). I'm not overweight or weird or ugly, I simply believe sex should be reserved for the marriage bed. I realize that this is rare among males and even causes others to doubt my sincerity, but I truly am a virgin, and voluntarily.

That doesn't mean I have not sexted, however. I have done so. Texts and images. It's not something I am proud of by any means. To me, it's a form of cheating - not on someone, but on our duties to live Christian lives. It's an affront to God. It's wrong.

I do worry that the next time I am in a relationship (if ever) I will be tempted to engage in some form of sex before marriage. The way I have rationalized sexting - and I know it's not a legitimate excuse or justification - is that it's a release of sexual tension and helps me avoid "going farther" or going all the way. Like a release on a pressure valve.

Anyway, I am praying hard to avoid and to stop engaging in this. The good news is that I am much more convicted about this than I have been in the past. I know it's a sin, and I am actively (and prayerfully) trying to stop it. This cannot be done by any power on my part, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to know if others struggle with this and how they deal with it. Also, what is the best way to avoid temptation in dating? Thank you for your time in reading this.

I'm not saying that this is how it will happen for you. But, there may be a demonic compulsion fanning those hormonal flames. Or, there may be some psychological motivation you're unaware of. Or, both. All I could recommend is to resist as much as possible, practice subjecting your fantasies to the Holy Spirit, and seek God daily. In His word, through prayer, daily. Do not relent. Every day. No excuses. Unless, you're sick, or in a coma, you have no reason to not make time for Him every single day of every single week of every single month of... you get the idea.