Is Masturbation A Sin

QUESTION: Is Masturbation A Sin?

ANSWER:

The most difficult thing about answering "Is masturbation a sin" is that the Bible never directly mentions masturbation. There is no command, "Thou shall not masturbate" in the Bible. Some take this fact to mean that God approves of and/or allows masturbation. Others take principles from the Bible to come to a decision.

Here are some pointers to help determine if masturbation (or most anything else) is a sin. Is masturbation wrong?

• First, do you feel guilty after you do it? God has given us a conscience to help us know what is right or wrong. If you feel guilty about something, it is very likely that act is a sin.
  
  
• Second, is it something you can thank God for? Is it something that brings glory to God? According to the Bible, everything we do should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). If you cannot say that an activity is glorifying to God, you likely should not be participating in that activity.
  
  
• Third, specifically to masturbation, does it have even a hint of immorality? Ephesians 5:3 tells us to avoid even the "hint" of sexual immorality. What are you thinking about before / when you masturbate? Is it things that are immoral, or is it things that are pleasing to God (Philippians 4:8)?
  
  
• Fourth, does masturbation recognize God's ownership of your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)? God owns our bodies. If we are doing something God has not specifically instructed us to do, we must question whether we are recognizing God's ownership of our bodies or whether we are taking invalid authority over our own bodies.

Is masturbation wrong? Is masturbation a sin? Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Ask for God's help in keeping your mind pure (Philippians 4:6-8). Refuse to take part in any activity that even hints of sexual immorality. Seek help from a pastor, counselor, or online recovery program.