The word masturbate’s Latin origin, masturbari, is derived from a combination of two Latin words: manus (hand) and stuprare (defile). So, that means when one masturbates, they are defiling themselves with their hand. To defile means to make unclean or impure.

- – - -

This morning I told my mom I was going to be writing a blog on masturbation. She asked me if it was okay to do that. That question went over my head because I told her “Yes”, thinking she was asking me if it was okay for me to write on that particular subject. It was quickly cleared up and I told her, according to the bible, masturbation can be considered is a sexual sin.

She continued to tell me that if it is wrong, then I should not write about it. That statement confused me a bit. I told her that is what’s wrong with a lot of people now, especially the people in the church…Masturbation is one of those topics people try to shy away from. It’s not a topic easy to discuss because it is so controversial.

I have written blogs on homosexuality and abortion. So, when it came to me to write about masturbation, I figured I’d put this out there too with no problem…I mean, I have dealt with all three. This will, no doubt, be an interesting read. I will, however, only touch on this subject because more will need to be said on this topic.
- – - -

When I was a little girl, I would explore different places on my body. It has been said in many books that it is normal for young children to be curious about their bodies and they tend to touch many “private” areas. When I was in my early teens, I started to explore a little more often. At that time, although I never did have an orgasm from such play, I did feel like I was doing something wrong. Even at that age, I didn’t think God was too happy with, what is considered innocent play by many. At that age, I wasn’t even quite sure of how to have an orgasm.

It wasn’t until I was 18 when I had my first orgasm from masturbation. Even though at the time, I was only doing it just for the sake of doing something. I was bored. However, there were many, many times after that, that I did it because my flesh grew weak. People masturbate for different reasons. Some people do it because of boredom, others may do it simply to reduce stress or release sexual tension. At the same time, there are people who do it because of lust reasons and simply because it feels good.

While masturbation does have the ability to relieve sexual pressure for a short while, it only creates a deeper desire for sex. Masturbation is a sexual high that creates a temporary fix. It also, oftentimes, involves sexual fantasies that include lusting on others. It is clearly stated that we are not to lust on others nor cause them to lust on us.

Matthew 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Masturbation is a pleasurable form of torment. I’ve “tormented” myself in such a way several times. This is a story I know all too well. For a long time I allowed MASTURbation to be exactly what it is. It was a MASTER over me – over my body and my mind. I had promised myself several times that I would not participate in that act with my self only to end up letting my flesh be weak to the desire to enjoy the pleasure that masturbation brings. I have done this and enjoyed every minute of it only to be left feeling empty and ashamed after the climax.

It has been said that masturbation is safe and harmless. While, one may not get a sexually transmitted disease from performing such an act, I do not think it is harmless considering some of the effects it has had on some people’s mental states. And while masturbation is not directly mentioned in the bible, we should look at the scriptures that reference sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:18-19 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

A lot of people have asked the question, “Isn’t is better to masturbate than to have sex before marriage?”. The simple answer to this question would be “Yes”. However, we should consider God’s original plan for sex in our lives. God created sex as a gift for married couples to express their love for one another and so that they would be fruitful and multiply. God did not intend for us to have sex with ourselves. Solo-sex was not His intention at all.

There is deliverance from such a stronghold and getting delivered may be a hard process to endure, however, it can be done. It requires self-control and the willingness to allow God to be your Master instead of letting Masturbation control you.

- – - -
I will definitely be covering more on this subject soon. This is only a “touch” on it. Any comments and general feedback can be sent to elonministries@gmail.com

Ayana E.
myspace.com/ayanaelon