What Does The Bible Say About Masturbation

What Does The Bible Say About Masturbation? Many people think the Bible does not talk about this simply because the word ‘masturbation’ is not in the Bible. However the Bible does absolutely address whether or not this is a sin.

What Does The Bible Say About Masturbation

The Bible is clear masturbation is something Christians are not meant to partake in. While the Bible does not include the word, the Bible is very clear that lust is a sin and we are meant to have self control. The Bible even goes as far as to specifically explain we are meant to have self control of our bodies in terms of sexual activity in 1 Corinthians 7:3. That verse is also very clear for husbands and wives to perform their sexual duties so they don’t feel tempted to act out of self control (masturbation).

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. ⁴ For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. ⁵ Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:3

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”

Lust Is A Sin

One thing that is very clear in the Bible is God considers lust to be a sin, which includes lustful thoughts. The act of masturbation almost always includes the act of lustful thoughts again making it a sin.

Matthew 5:28: Jesus says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

1 Corinthians 6:18-20: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Practical Steps To Avoid This Sin

Firstly make sure you have a relationship with God. God says we are saved when we believe Jesus died for our sins> Secondly when we are genuinely seeking a personal relationship with God.

Pray when you feel tempted. Repent when you sin as sin separates us from God but repenting brings us back together with God.

Stay away from things that tempt sin, such as pornography or anything with the message that sexual sin is okay.

Distract yourself. If you do find yourself tempted, walk away from whatever is tempting you. Trying to partake in another healthy activity to distract yourself.

Lastly, remember you aren’t perfect. We all do sin, we all fall short of the glory of God, none of us are perfect. This is why Jesus Christ died for our sins because He knew we are human and we will make mistakes. This is why He died to give us the option to repent. Remember our God is a loving and forgiving God who loves you and will never leave you.

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