Sexting, the act of sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically, has become increasingly common in our technology-driven world. However, many Christians wrestle with whether this practice is sinful according to biblical principles. While the Bible does not explicitly mention sexting, it provides relevant guidance on related issues of sexuality, lust, and purity. Examining these biblical themes can help Christians think through the ethics of sexting.
What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality?
The Bible teaches that sex is a gift from God meant to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between a husband and wife (Genesis 2:24-25, Proverbs 5:18-19). Sexual intimacy fosters oneness, pleasure, and procreation in this God-ordained relationship. God created sex and declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, the Bible warns against misusing sex outside of marriage, such as through adultery, lust, or sexual immorality (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Married couples have a sacred duty to fulfill one another’s sexual needs and reserve sexual activity for their spouse only.
Single individuals are called to abstain from sexual activity until marriage (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). God designed this boundary for their protection and flourishing. Waiting honors God’s plans for sexuality and trains singles in self-control, patience, and fidelity for future marriage. The unmarried must reject sexual temptation and “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
How Does the Bible Instruct Us to Handle Lust?
Lust is a strong, uncontrolled desire for something – often used in reference to sexual craving. Jesus taught that lusting after someone in one’s heart is akin to actually committing adultery (Matthew 5:28). Pornography and sexual fantasy stir up lust and damage relationships. We must take every lustful thought captive and avoid temptation (2 Timothy 2:22, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Job declared he had made a covenant with his eyes not to lust after young women (Job 31:1).
Rather than feed our lust, Scripture tells us to find satisfaction in God alone (Psalm 37:4-5). Our bodies and desires are not autonomous but belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we lust, we must repent, flee temptation, and ask God for grace to walk in purity. Married couples must reserve sexual passion exclusively for their spouse (Proverbs 5:19).
What is the Biblical Standard for Purity?
The Bible calls Christians to strive for moral purity in all areas of life including sexuality. Paul instructs, “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Christians are representatives of Christ meant to honor Him with our character and conduct (Romans 12:1-2).
Scripture warns against even casual sexual immorality and commands us to avoid its very appearance (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Jesus preached against looking at others lustfully and underscored the need for radical measures to fight sin (Matthew 5:27-30). Paul urged believers to think about pure and lovely things rather than indulge fleshly desires (Philippians 4:8). Our sexuality is to be guided by God’s standards of righteousness, not engineered solely for selfish pleasure.
How Might Sexting Violate Biblical Principles?
Given these biblical themes, sexting raises several moral concerns for Christians seeking to honor God:
- Sexting often involves lust. Viewing or sharing sexually provocative images can inflame lust in the heart. Sexting is frequently motivated by simple sexual gratification, rather than marital intimacy.
- Sexting constitutes sexual immorality for unmarried individuals. It violates the Scriptural call for singles to remain sexually pure in heart and body.
- Sexting undermines fidelity within marriage. Flirtatious exchanges with someone besides a spouse betray the marital covenant. Sexting introduces sexual temptation that can lead to adultery.
- Sexting treats sex frivolously rather than reverently. God calls for sex to be treasured and guarded carefully. Sexting relies on societal cheapening of sex that Scripture rejects.
- Sexting can become addictive. Studies show sexting releases dopamine in the brain, creating dependence. The Bible warns against binding ourselves to any masters besides Christ.
Overall, sexting appears to indulge human lust in ways that Scripture forbid. The practice falls short of God’s standards for purity, fidelity, modesty and uprightness in our sexuality.
What is the Healthy Alternative for Christians?
Rather than sexting, Christians are called to channel sexual energy into exclusive intimacy within marriage and faithful singleness while unmarried. Here are some Scriptural principles for healthy sexuality:
- If single, wait patiently for marriage for appropriate sexual activity, seeking purity (1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Corinthians 7:2). Find full identity in Christ.
- If married, nurture intimate friendship and satisfy sexual needs only with your spouse (Proverbs 5:19, Song of Solomon 7:10). Reserve passionate affection for them alone.
- Combat lust by making no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Avoid pornography and anything triggering sinful desire.
- Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, only what is helpful (Ephesians 4:29). Sexting promotes coarse rather than upbuilding speech.
Rather than sexting, Christians can channel sexual energy into strengthening marriage and enjoying marital intimacy as a blessing from God. Singles can use their longings to motivate pursuit of godly marriage. By God’s grace, following His Word allows believers to experience wholesome human sexuality.
Guidance for Those Wrestling with Sexting
What counsel might Scripture provide for someone already involved in sexting? Here are some key principles:
- Repent, asking God’s forgiveness for any involvement in sexting (1 John 1:9). Turn away from lust and impurity.
- Delete all sexual images and messages immediately. Destroy avenues of temptation (Matthew 5:30).
- If single, commit to abstaining from any sexual activity outside of marriage.
- If married, re-devote sexual passion exclusively to your spouse.
- Confess struggles to a pastor or godly counselor. Seek accountability and growth in purity (James 5:16).
- Renew your mind daily in God’s truth regarding sexuality and purity (Romans 12:2).
- Walk humbly in dependence on the Holy Spirit to empower righteous living (Galatians 5:16-17).
With repentance and Spirit-empowered obedience, those entangled in sexting or similar struggles can find grace, forgiveness and increasing freedom from lust (1 John 1:9). Scripture offers hope for all who turn to Jesus in faith.
Conclusion
Sexting violates biblical standards of sexual ethics and purity in numerous ways. Yet by God’s grace, Christians can honor Him with their sexuality by pursuing chastity while single and fidelity in marriage. As we renew our minds in Scripture, walk in the Spirit’s power, and embrace accountability, Christians can gain victory over lustful tendencies like sexting. God is ready to forgive and cleanse all who turn from sexual sin and follow Jesus in pursuing what is holy, righteous and pure.