Feelings, Inclinations, and Behavior

The distinction between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and behavior on the other hand, is very clear. It's no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted.

The line of sin is between the feelings and the behavior. The line of prudence is between the susceptibility and the feelings. We need to lay hold on the feelings and circumstance that leads to sinful behavior.
(Elder Oaks)


Many times our feelings can be used to tempt us, or incline us, to enter a path of destruction. That is why the Lord has advised us to weigh things out in our minds and pray to know that our actions are right in His eyes. Once we begin to dwell on certain thoughts and feelings they ultimately become our actions and take over our behavioral patters. Our behavior, actions, are the make or break point for sins and transgressions. Once an action has taken place on a harmful feeling or inclination we the actor have acquired our own sins by giving in to what was simply a temptation.

Bottom Line:

Inclinations, Feelings, Desires, Thoughts, all can and most likely will be used to the advantage of the adversary for tempting us.

Actions, or the product of our behavioral patterns, is what decides if we are sinning. Acting on or re-acting to tempting feelings leads to sin.

Helpful References: 2 Nephi 2:16, 2 Nephi 10:23, Alma 12:31, and D&C 43:8. These are just a few for starters.