One of the most notable aspects of sin, especially in the way it is shown in the law is that there is an offender and a victim. Adultery, stealing, false testimony all have a measurable consequence, something that could even be compensated by a judge’s ruling, eg. “pay back the value of what you stole plus damages”

But what is a sin one commits in which the perpetrator is also the victim?

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

1 Corinthians 6:18

So sexual sin harms not only anyone else involved but is also a transgression against ones own body. This is not necessarily a physical consequence. Mental or, most importantly, Spiritual damage is done. That’s why the apostle cautions us to “flee” from it. So let’s consider this very deeply: when we sin, we harm ourselves if we give into sexual temptation.

Ethan Kirl