When God created us, he gave both man and woman their different private parts in his wisdom. The main purpose of these body parts was for pleasure between married people and procreation.
However, many people have found themselves touching their reproductive parts to provide themselves with some sexual pleasure. This has read to many bible readers wondering, “Is touching yourself a sin?”
The Bible does not mention anything about touching yourself or masturbation or if it is a sin or not. However, we all know that some actions lead to this act, and the scriptures consider their sin. For instance, lustful thoughts are the main reason for masturbation. Jesus strongly speaks against it in Mathew 5:28. Additionally, masturbation occurs when one loses control of their mind and flesh. Yet, the Bible tells us to practice self-control as it has been given to us as a fruit of the Spirit, as Galatians 5:22 says.
So, what does the Bible say about masturbation? What makes masturbation a mortal sin? What does the Catholic Church teach about masturbation? What does Jesus say about lustful thoughts?
What can Christians do to avoid falling into the sin of masturbation? What are some of the Bible verses about masturbation?
Read on to know the answers to these questions.
What does the Bible say about masturbation?
There is no scripture in the Bible that directly talks about masturbation. However, when we define what masturbation is, we can find some scriptures that discourage the actions that lead to it, making it a sin.
Masturbation can be defined as an act of self-gratifying or self-pleasure. With this, we see that the person in action has lost self-control and put his flesh desires and passions before their spiritual being.
While the Bible does not talk about masturbating, it encourages Christians to practice self-control, which is among the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-24 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Additionally, God calls us to learn how to control our bodies to avoid sexual immorality so we can remain honorable and holy, as 1st Thessalonians 4:3-6 says.
What makes masturbation a mortal sin?
Britannica defines an immortal sin as an ‘act that is committed in full knowledge of its gravity, and with the full consent of the sinner’s will.’
With the above definition, it is evident that masturbation is an immortal sin, as the person who involves themselves with it does it fully, knowing that it is not supposed to happen.
Masturbation is largely motivated by lustful thoughts, pornography, or sexual stimulation.
When one masturbates, they fully know that they are inviting sin to their body, as it directs involves the body. The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of God, and doing this act is against God’s will, as 1st Corinthians 6:19-20 states.
Since we all know that masturbation does not honor or glorify God from every angle, allowing yourself to still do with this knowledge makes it an immortal sin, just as Romans 14:23 says.
The verse says, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
What does the Catholic Church teach about masturbation?
The Catholic Church does not support masturbation, as they consider it an immortal sin. Another reason they consider this act a sin is that it is morally wrong, as any sexual pleasure was intended for two married people, and they are to give each other pleasures, not themselves.
Catholic church views sex as valuable, powerful, and special and should not be misused by any means. This church also argues that sex is meant to be the ultimate gift both the husband and the wife have for one another, and masturbation ruins the powerful ‘promised’ sex.
Additionally, the Catholic church does not view sex as just pleasure and is often initiated by the adultery of the heart and lust, which the Bible is against.
1st John 2:16 states, “for everything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life come not from the Father but from the world.”
What does Jesus say about lustful thoughts?
Jesus strongly speaks against lust, as Mathew 5:27-30 records. He further goes ahead and reveals that anyone has committed adultery by just looking at a woman lustfully. The 7th commandment warns us against committing adultery. Exodus 20:14 says, “you shall not commit adultery.”
What can Christians do to avoid falling into the sin of masturbation?
Christians can avoid falling into the sin of masturbation by focusing on filling themselves with the Spirit, as he who has Spirit can not give in to the desires of their flesh.
Christians can also avoid the sin of masturbating by not letting themselves be carried by their evil desires but rather resisting them.
Bible verses about masturbation
Ephesians 5:3 says, “But among you, there must be not even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
The Bible speaks against any practices of sexual immorality, masturbation included.
Colossians 3:5 states, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.’’ The Bible encourages Christians to do away with any activity not of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the nature desires; but those who live per the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
The Bible encourages Christians to seek what is of the Spirit to avoid falling into sinful nature.
1st Thessalonians 4:3-6 says, “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 pagans, who do not know God.”
Masturbation is not honoring your body, and God is against it.
Galatians 5:16-17 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so you are not to do whatever you want.”
The Bible encourages Christians to live by what the Spirit commands them and not be led by their sexual desires.
1st Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “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.”
When one masturbates, they are physically using their bodies in a way that does not please God.
References
Masturbation- is it a sin according to the Bible?
Is masturbation a sin if I control my thought?
Does the Bible say masturbation is a sin?
Straight talk about the catholic teaching on masturbation
What does the Bible say about overcoming lust?
Bible verses about masturbation
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
