Counsel #2 — Trauma-Driven Exposure

Picture: Counsel #2 — Trauma-Driven ExposureCLi 89.1

Although many people watch pornography because they desire to, others are drawn into the stronghold due to experiencing past family trauma. For people who have been sexually molested or attacked in some way, watching pornography sometimes serves as an unhealthy coping mechanism to help them deal with unresolved emotional pain or chaotic family conditions.CLi 89.2

Early exposure to porn that is tied to family trauma can heighten the risk of dependency, which will inevitably lead to addiction if continuously consumed.^{[80]https://record.adventistchurch.com/2018/07/06/trauma-and-the-church-part-2/} Going through any form of trauma is always difficult, but there is a better way to deal with the residue of your pain. God is the greatest Comforter we could ever receive, and unlike pornography, consuming His word and spending time with Him in prayer only yields positive, life-changing results. If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, aptly addressing these wounds for healing will undoubtedly take a holistic approach, but once dealt with in a healthy way, you will no longer desire porn but will instead yearn for the presence of God.CLi 89.3

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIVCLi 89.4

“The lower passions are to be strictly guarded. The perceptive faculties are abused, terribly abused, when the passions are allowed to run riot.” Ellen White in Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, p. 16CLi 89.5

Reflect: Why do you think people who suffer family traumas believe porn is a helpful coping mechanism?CLi 89.6