Breaking the Stigma: A Biblical Perspective on Masturbation


Masturbation is a topic that many believers - singles, teenagers, young adults, unmarried and even married people - shy away from discussing. Yet, there is still a sense of shame and guilt associated with it. Why is that? Masturbation has lived with us more than sex with our various partners. It knows how and when we want pleasure, it has no restraints, and it’s just you and masturbation.

Breaking the Stigma: A Biblical Perspective on Masturbation

As Christians, we believe that our bodies are a gift from God and that they are temples of the Holy Spirit. We also believe that sexual intimacy is meant to be shared within the context of marriage between one man and one woman. So where does masturbation fit into this worldview? The worldview that believes that; why should we feel guilty about something that is a natural part of human sexuality? Masturbation is a healthy and normal way to explore our bodies and our desires. This view believes that it can also have a range of physical and mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving sleep. 

So where do we go from here? It's time to break the stigma surrounding masturbation and have open and honest conversations about it. I remember the first time I masturbated. I was 17 and preparing for an entrance examination into a university. I was home that day, I had this urge and it didn't stop. So I took my genitals and rubbed them so hard, I felt some form of moisture, but I wasn't yet there. I continued, and finally, I was relieved. That was the start of my bondage. I was already an introvert, and this made me more introverted. I didn't need people. More importantly, I was suffering inside with a lot of guilt.

This practice has been around for centuries and is something that we all engage in, whether we admit it or not. Masturbation is the first sexual encounter we all came in contact with either directly or indirectly. You don't need to be taught, one day you started and you haven't been able to stop. It's important to remember that everyone's experiences with masturbation are different. 

God created sex to be a beautiful and intimate act between a husband and wife within the confines of marriage. Masturbation, on the other hand, is a self-centered act that is focused solely on one's own pleasure and does not honor God's design for sexual intimacy. While it may be tempting to engage in masturbation to fulfill sexual desires, it is important to remember that these desires are a natural part of human sexuality and can be expressed in a way that is pleasing to God. Sexual desires can be channeled into a deeper relationship with one's spouse or redirected toward prayer and worship. 

So, what does the Bible have to say about masturbation? The truth is that the Bible doesn't specifically mention it. However, there are principles and teachings that we can apply to this topic. One of the most important principles to consider is the biblical concept of sexual purity. Throughout the Bible, we are called to pursue sexual purity and to honor God with our bodies. This means abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage and avoiding any sexual behaviors that are not in line with God's design.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, the apostle Paul writes, "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. This passage reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but rather, they belong to God. As such, we are called to honor him with our bodies by living in sexual purity.

Below are a few principles to consider in line with God's design for our bodies and our sexuality:

1. Pursue Sexual Purity

This means abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage, avoiding pornography and sexually explicit materials, and avoiding any sexual behavior that is not in line with God's design.

2. Be Spirit-Controlled

Use self-control and discernment when it comes to masturbation. If you feel convicted that it is not in line with God's will for your life, then seek support and guidance from a trusted Christian friend or counselor.

3. Stay Disciplined

Remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and as such, we are called to honor God with them in all aspects of our lives, including our sexuality.


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