Expert: Brenda Martin - 1/3/2011

Question
Hi Brenda! I have a slightly embarrassing but possibly life changing question. So I'm just going to throw it out there.

Is masturbation against the bible?

I've read so many different things on websites and magazines and I just want to ask a true Christian, as I am myself, about what you believe. I'm single, no children, just alone. And I have done it before. It's been something I've been struggling against for some time, but I just need to know if if is or isn't against the bible. please let me know in the most simple way possible! thank you so much for your wisdom and time!
-Nora

Answer
Yes, God expects us to fight against bad habits & thats all masturbation is; a very difficult habit to break certainly, but nonetheless God expects us to try & keep on trying. Heres what the bible says--

When you masturbate, you dwell mentally on wrong desires, and all that does is increase your appetite for them.“Deaden, therefore, your body members,” urges the Bible, “as respects . . . sexual appetite.” (Colossians 3:5)

Masturbation also instills certain attitudes that are mentally corrupting. (Compare 2 Corinthians 11:3.)

Sex becomes separated from love and is relegated to a reflex that releases tension. But God intended that sexual desires be satisfied in sexual relations—an expression of love between a man and his wife.—Proverbs 5:15-19.

Wrong attitudes taught by masturbation thus defile one’s “spirit,” or dominant mental inclination. In some cases, the problems caused by masturbation persist even after marriage! For good reason, God’s Word urges: “Beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.”—2 Corinthians 7:1.

However keep in mind--When a Christian succumbs to masturbation, his heart is often self-condemning. Yet, the Bible states that “God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.” (1 John 3:20) God sees more than our sins. The greatness of his knowledge enables him to hear with sympathy our earnest pleas for forgiveness.

all the best
Brenda