The 'fruit of love' is the lasting and satisfying joy. The 'fruit of lust' is the momentary and dissatisfying pleasure. Recognising each time whether it is love or lust is simply helping ourselves not to be foolish. The ninth commandment warns against lust. The struggle against carnal lust involves purifying the heart and practicing temperance. "Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28). Purity of heart enables us to see God and to see things as God sees. It demands sincere prayer and requires the modesty which is patience, decency and discretion. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. (Ref. CCC 2528-2533)
Prayer :
God, the Purest Love, fill my heart with your love. Purify my vision and my every intention. May modesty and temperance guide my thoughts, attitudes, words and actions.
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