by As human beings, we often struggle with different kinds of temptations, both physical and mental. So what does the bible say about self satisfaction, and how should we perceive it? Continue reading to find out if these sexual fantasies and acts are a sin or are meant for our enjoyment.
What Does the Bible Say About Self Satisfaction?
Before we dive into the complex issue of masturbation, we have to define the difference between self-preservation and self-gratification. Self-preservation is a practice where we tend to our basic needs from a survival aspect. On the other hand, self-gratification is indulging in activities that satisfy our desires.
Even though God has created us with pleasure receptors, the Bible teaches us to partake in such activities only to a specific extent. Furthermore, since we’re made in His image (Genesis 1:27), it’s up to us to distinguish what’s morally right from wrong. That’s why to truly serve the Lord, we have to practice asceticism and resist bodily temptations.
Is Masturbating a Sin?
The primary purpose of our sexuality is reproduction, and God was merciful enough to involve pleasure in this holy act. However, it should only be done within the boundaries of marriage to represent the devotion of both husband and wife. This holy bond includes giving your body to your spouse, so it should be treated with love, respect, and faithfulness.
Additionally, sex is seen as something you should give to your partner, so you shouldn’t misuse it for personal pleasure. If it’s done only to satisfy one’s own desires, it’s perceived as self-gratification. Even though men have stronger sexual impulses than women, neither should indulge in such sinful actions.
The act of self-satisfaction derives from selfish and self-centered pleasure, not from love. That being said, multiple self-pleasure Bible verses refer to it as a sin. Such examples are Philippians 2:3–4 and Romans 8:12–13, which teach us not to live according to the flesh but devote our love to others.
Furthermore, the act is often based on immoral fantasies, which later fill our hearts with guilt. Every sin is first rooted in our thoughts, so we must learn how to resist these temptations.
Bottom Line
So what does the bible say about self satisfaction? As we’ve analyzed throughout the article, God gave us sexual pleasure mainly for reproduction purposes and within the bonds of marriage. If you’re having lustful thoughts, make sure to resist the temptations since the Bible condemns such sinful actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about releasing sperm?
Ejaculation is mentioned in Leviticus 15:16-18 and refers to it as the “seed of copulation.” It’s required of the man to clean everything the semen touches, including himself, since he’s seen as unclean until the evening. In Genesis 38:9, there’s a Bible verse on wasting sperm when Onan disobeys Judah by releasing semen on the ground, which results in being punished by God.
What does it mean to relieve yourself in the Bible?
Relieving yourself doesn’t necessarily mean indulging in self-satisfaction practices. In most Bible verses, it’s used to define the act of freeing your soul or satisfying basic needs. There are several references for getting rid of bodily fluids and hunger, as well as giving your body the needed rest.
What does the Bible say about breasts?
There’s nothing in the Bible that prohibits men from enjoying a woman’s body when it’s done in an honorable way. Furthermore, breasts symbolize romantic intimacy in several chapters, including the Song of Solomon 7 and Proverbs chapter 5:18-19.
