Almost every sin is committed for the sake of sensual pleasure; and sensual pleasure is overcome by hardship and distress arising either voluntarily from repentance, or else involuntarily as a result of some salutary and providential reversal. "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged; but when we are judged, we are chastened for the Lord, so that we should not be condemned with the world." (Maximos the Confessor)

In my own experience and in observation of others, most sensual sins pale in contrast to the sins of pride and fear. And too often, confronting the sensual sins inflame pride or fear.

Is sensual pleasure overcome or redirected? What is more sensual than the Eucharist? Or Chartres? Or almost anything by Bach? Or any mindful walk in nature? Jesus welcomed the woman with the alabaster jar and her care.

Certainly, let us judge ourselves. But let us judge rightly. We were not given the senses to tempt us, but to assist us in knowing God.