In the Book of Proverbs, we read, “Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). Also, St. Paul said, “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled” (Titus 2:6). Self-control and discipline are critical for a Christian life. Resisting sin requires discipline, but also pursuing a virtuous life, and practicing spiritual means like prayer, Bible reading, and confession. If you don’t have self-control, you won’t be able to resist sin, and you will not be able to grow in your spiritual life either. The devil will gradually exploit your weakness and lead you to fall into more and more sins, little by little.

If you allow yourself to masturbate, how will you develop self-control? You will only lose more and more control, and this is very dangerous. That is why the man who lacks self-control is like a city whose walls are broken down, like the Book of Proverbs says. And that is why St. Peter says, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” (1 Peter 2:11). If you don’t control your lustful thoughts and feelings, this can certainly lead to the sin of masturbation. And if you don’t resist masturbation, this sin will certainly lead to other sins because the devil has weakened your willpower. Your lusts will increase and your self-control will decrease. That is why St. Paul says, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:12) and “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

If you fall into the sin of masturbation, pick yourself right up and pray. Don’t fall into despair, because that’s what the devil wants. Be very honest with your father of confession about your weaknesses, and confess regularly. The key to having victory and repentance is to seek forgiveness through confession, seek God’s grace through prayer and Communion, and be determined to cut the sin from the first step of lust. If this sin becomes a habit, do not despair or rely on your own strength or your own determination to repent. Yes, you need to be determined, but know that you will need God’s help. So with the guidance of your father of confession, develop a routine of prayer, prostrations (metanias), Bible reading, and spiritual reading, to arm yourself with God’s power.