Pornography is a pervasive issue in today's society, affecting millions of people worldwide. It's a topic that's often shrouded in secrecy and shame, but it's essential to address it head-on, especially from a biblical perspective.
What is Pornography? Pornography refers to the depiction of erotic or sexual behavior intended to stimulate sexual excitement. This can include images, videos, writings, or other forms of media.
Why Shouldn't We Involve Ourselves with Pornography?
1. Addiction: Pornography can be highly addictive, leading to compulsive behavior and negative impacts on mental and physical health.
2. Objectification: Pornography often objectifies and dehumanizes individuals, especially women, reducing them to mere objects for sexual gratification.
3. Damage Relationship: Pornography can damage relationships, leading to intimacy issues, trust problems, and emotional distress.
4. Desensitization: Regular consumption of pornography can desensitize individuals to its harmful effects, leading to a decrease in empathy and an increase in aggressive behavior and loss of confidence.
What Does the Bible Say About Pornography?While the Bible doesn't explicitly mention pornography, it does address related issues
1. Matthew 5:27-28: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Having a lustful thought is sin, standing in God’s court you will be guilty as charged. There is no possible way one can indulge in this act without the use of sensual graphical help, and thus making one to see what he or she is not supposed to see and with time it dwells in you mind rent free.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"
Pastor Esa Obuluwa explains masturbation as Gently raping oneself. Intimacy is not solo, it is done between two people. Couples, it is between a man and his wife, God’s will is for us to go into matrimony pure without defiling ourselves. Pornography will only increase a burning and wrong desires in one’s heart and bringing sinful imagination that will lead to action.There is a high rate of Children being sexually abused by trusted relatives, neighbors and friends of the family.
3. Ephesians 5:3-4: _"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place."
4. “1 Thessalonians 4:3-7: "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 the pagans, who do not know God."
Pornography is a harmful and addictive behavior that can have severe consequences on individuals and relationships. The Bible teaches us to flee from sexual immorality, to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and to avoid any hint of sexual immorality.
If you're struggling with pornography addiction or know someone who is, seek help from a trusted pastor, counselor, or support group. There is hope for freedom and healing. And we are here to help you overcome this sin.
Talk to us today!