Is Touching Yourself a Sin? Debunking The Myths

Today sexual sin is rampant in our society, but we love to leave it general by calling it sexual sin. What does sexual sin consist of? This article will delve into a sensitive topic that has often caused confusion and controversy within religious circles: Is touching yourself a sin? Join us as we explore this subject with an open mind and a heart dedicated to understanding what God has called us to and not what we desire. 

Understanding the Context Before Answering is Touching Yourself a Sin

To approach this topic effectively, we must acknowledge the diverse cultural, religious, and personal beliefs surrounding human sexuality. The concept of touching oneself, often called masturbation, has been viewed differently across various religious traditions and historical periods. 

The problem is that many of these viewpoints do not come from a biblical worldview. To have a biblical worldview means looking at what God says and then letting everything we do and see come from the perspective of God. The way people approach sex today is that I do what I want to do.

Exploring Biblical Perspectives

When examining the Bible, there is no explicit mention of masturbation. However, certain scriptures sometimes imply that engaging in self-stimulation is sinful. For example, some individuals may refer to the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9-10. However, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context of these verses and the broader message they convey.

This can be a very short-sighted way of reading Scripture. Sometimes the better question is what God has called me to, instead of asking what should not be done. We are not looking to do the bare minimum but to be transformed into the image of the Son.

Understanding God’s Design for Sexuality:

To gain a more comprehensive understanding, we must consider God’s design for human sexuality. The Bible consistently teaches that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift intended for the context of marriage. It emphasizes the importance of love, faithfulness, and respect within the marital relationship. While the Bible does not explicitly address self-stimulation, it encourages believers to approach their sexuality with purity and reverence.

The Bible also warns believers against being selfish. When we are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross, our focus becomes pleasing God. Marriage is an exception because it represents Christ and the church. The point of being married is to sacrifice for your spouse. Women submit to men, while men give up their lives for their wives. During sexual intercourse in marriage, the goal is to please your spouse and not yourself. This is a huge reason why sex with a spouse can be so fulfilling, but masturbation rarely is.

Exploring Different Christian Perspectives

Within Christianity, there is a range of opinions regarding the morality of touching oneself. Some believers argue that sexual expression outside marriage, including masturbation, is sinful. They emphasize the need for self-control and view sexual desires as something to be mastered. On the other hand, some Christians believe that if done within a healthy and balanced context, masturbation is not inherently sinful but can be a regular part of human sexuality.

The second view is dangerous because there is no saying what is healthy. What level of living to please yourself is ok before it becomes alright? If you ask a sinful person to decide when enough is enough, they will go down the wrong road. We know that God offers grace for our sins, but that’s why I said before we are asking the wrong question. The right question is, am I living for Jesus? Am I glorifying him in all I do? If you masturbate and ask yourself that question, there is no good answer.

Considering Psychological and Medical Perspectives

From a psychological and medical standpoint, masturbation is considered a normal and healthy sexual behavior for both men and women. It is recognized as a way to explore one’s body, relieve sexual tension, and promote self-awareness. Many healthcare professionals agree that masturbation is not harmful or morally wrong when practiced responsibly and without compulsive tendencies.

From a biblical perspective, there are a lot of things that are considered normal and healthy that are still considered to be sins. Many medical professionals would say the same something about sex before marriage. We are at a point where abortion is considered nothing more than primary health care. Many people would say lying is natural and normal; people would say coveting is a good thing. You hear it all today!

Guiding Principles for Personal Convictions:

Ultimately, whether one considers touching oneself a sin is a personal conviction guided by individual beliefs, values, and religious teachings. Engaging in honest self-reflection, seeking guidance from trusted spiritual mentors, and studying Scripture to form an informed opinion on the matter are crucial. Respectful dialogue and understanding among believers with differing viewpoints can contribute to a more nuanced and compassionate approach to this delicate topic.

Don’t allow yourself to be driven strictly by what you feel. It’s not about how you feel but what God thinks. So many Christians live in a pattern of continually unrepentant sexual sin. In this place, we must ask ourselves why Jesus is our savior but not our Lord. Why are we not letting Jesus be the King of Our Lives?

We underestimate what happens when we put our faith in Jesus. It’s not a minor deal! The second his Spirit dwells in us, a transformation occurs. The old life is dead in the flesh, and you go forward living in the POWER OF THE SPIRIT! Don’t take this lightly or as something just to be blown away.

Conclusion:

Whether touching oneself is a sin is a complex and nuanced matter if you are not ready to submit to Scripture, and the answer may vary depending on where you see Jesus sitting as the King of your life. As followers of Christ, it is important to approach this topic with love, compassion, and a commitment to understanding. By engaging in respectful conversations and seeking guidance from Scripture, we can navigate this issue while upholding our faith and respecting the diversity of opinions within the Christian community. If others don’t believe it’s a sin, continue to speak the truth to them, but do it with complete patience and teaching.