Is self harm a sin?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Mauricia

New member
Apr 28, 2020
8
9
3
#1
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#2
1COR. 3:17.
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is Holy, which temple you are.

1COR. 6:19.
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which you have of God, and you are not your own?
 
Apr 21, 2020
621
176
43
#3
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
I'm sorry that you're struggling with these feelings.

I have struggled with depression too, and I have tried to kill myself twice.
So I know exactly what you're going through.

I would suggest developing a thick skin if you're going to talk about self-harm on CC; you may get many tell you that you are sinful, but few will offer a kind word.

I would suggest that you seek professional help, if you are able.
Either way, feel free to message me whenever you like :)
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,704
3,649
113
#4
Yes it is a sin culminating in the greatest expression of self harm by denying Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (unbelief).
 
Apr 21, 2020
621
176
43
#5
Yes it is a sin culminating in the greatest expression of self harm by denying Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (unbelief)
Oh chill out sweetheart!

Why not offer the young person a kind word of support rather than go at him with an ill-thought out ramble.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#6
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
Deuteronomy 14:1-2 New International Version (NIV)
14 You are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, 2 for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.

Speaking to the ancient Israelites we see that mutilation or cutting the flesh was a sinful act but largely connected to pagan worship. Self harm is harming yourself. Harming oneself isnt a healthy response to stress, emotion, fears, etc. It is a habit much like drinking alcohol. The pain brings forth chemicals in the brain and you are distracted from the trigger emotions. Nothing is healthy about self harm. It is only a physical cry for I need help. Find a therapist to gain healthy coping methods.
 

Lafftur

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2017
6,732
3,559
113
#7
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
Hello Mauricia, :love:

You are loved very much by God and He wants you to know that you are NOT to harm yourself. Jesus Christ came to Earth to save you, NOT to harm you.

Have you completely embraced and received God's love for you? Have you received by faith salvation in Christ Jesus? Do you understand the power of God's Holy Spirit that He wants to indwell us - giving us power over bad thoughts that go against God's Will for us?

The battle going on in your thoughts is a war...... NOT all of our thoughts are ours. Satan, demons, devils, evil spirits attack us in our thoughts and try to get us to hurt ourselves, hurt others, and doubt that God exists.

The thoughts you are experiencing are common to all of us. You're being attacked in your thoughts and are confused because you don't understand your enemy. Yet, you are questioning these thoughts because somehow you know that they are wrong thoughts. Excellent! See, you already know better. :love:(y)

You MUST receive salvation in Christ Jesus and be born again of God's Holy Spirit to break free from such horrible thoughts.

Simply pray........

Dear Father God in Heaven, Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

Help me!!! Save me!!! I'm being attacked! Please forgive me for all my sins, I receive the Blood of Jesus Christ that takes all my sins away and I receive the Body of Jesus Christ that gives me The Righteousness of God in Christ. Seal me, baptize and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that marks me as Your possession and gives me power to live a godly life in Christ while I am on this Earth.

Deliver me from evil thoughts, I receive the Peace of God in my mind and rejoice in Christ Jesus my Savior, Lord and King. Thank You Holy Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray, ask and receive, amen.:love:(y)

You are loved! Get a Bible, read God's Word every morning and ask God questions while you read. He will answer you and teach you. God is a loving Father and He wants to teach you, protect you, comfort you, instruct you, bless you, laugh with you, cry with you, always be with you........He's absolutely wonderful! Enjoy! :love:(y)
 

Mauricia

New member
Apr 28, 2020
8
9
3
#8
I'm sorry that you're struggling with these feelings.

I have struggled with depression too, and I have tried to kill myself twice.
So I know exactly what you're going through.

I would suggest developing a thick skin if you're going to talk about self-harm on CC; you may get many tell you that you are sinful, but few will offer a kind word.

I would suggest that you seek professional help, if you are able.
Either way, feel free to message me whenever you like :)
Thank you so much 🤗🤗
 

Mauricia

New member
Apr 28, 2020
8
9
3
#9
Hello Mauricia, :love:

You are loved very much by God and He wants you to know that you are NOT to harm yourself. Jesus Christ came to Earth to save you, NOT to harm you.

Have you completely embraced and received God's love for you? Have you received by faith salvation in Christ Jesus? Do you understand the power of God's Holy Spirit that He wants to indwell us - giving us power over bad thoughts that go against God's Will for us?

The battle going on in your thoughts is a war...... NOT all of our thoughts are ours. Satan, demons, devils, evil spirits attack us in our thoughts and try to get us to hurt ourselves, hurt others, and doubt that God exists.

The thoughts you are experiencing are common to all of us. You're being attacked in your thoughts and are confused because you don't understand your enemy. Yet, you are questioning these thoughts because somehow you know that they are wrong thoughts. Excellent! See, you already know better. :love:(y)

You MUST receive salvation in Christ Jesus and be born again of God's Holy Spirit to break free from such horrible thoughts.

Simply pray........

Dear Father God in Heaven, Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

Help me!!! Save me!!! I'm being attacked! Please forgive me for all my sins, I receive the Blood of Jesus Christ that takes all my sins away and I receive the Body of Jesus Christ that gives me The Righteousness of God in Christ. Seal me, baptize and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that marks me as Your possession and gives me power to live a godly life in Christ while I am on this Earth.

Deliver me from evil thoughts, I receive the Peace of God in my mind and rejoice in Christ Jesus my Savior, Lord and King. Thank You Holy Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I pray, ask and receive, amen.:love:(y)

You are loved! Get a Bible, read God's Word every morning and ask God questions while you read. He will answer you and teach you. God is a loving Father and He wants to teach you, protect you, comfort you, instruct you, bless you, laugh with you, cry with you, always be with you........He's absolutely wonderful! Enjoy! :love:(y)
Thank you so much for all your words🤗🤗
 

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
Sep 17, 2018
3,644
2,864
113
#10
Deuteronomy 14:1-2 New International Version (NIV)
14 You are the children of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead, 2 for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
Fixed it for you. For context.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#11
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
Here is a helpline if you wish to reach professional support. Or atleast point you in the right direction.

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Self-harm

Of course there are spiritual needs but there is a triune connection of mind, body, soul. We have to reach all 3. Protect or heal all 3. A therapist can help with the mental. Or dr can help with the physical if dealing with pain or sickness. And a pastor can help with the spiritual. Look for the triggers. What triggers your self harm. Then focus to prevent or avoid such triggers if possible. If not possible then find a replacement practice. Punching bags are fun, healthy, and if you work out hard enough you will experience a healthy pain.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,704
3,649
113
#13
Oh chill out sweetheart!

Why not offer the young person a kind word of support rather than go at him with an ill-thought out ramble.
Maybe you’re the one who should chill, running around like that playing spiritual psychiatrist. The ultimate self harm comes through unbelief. That’s all I was saying.
 
Apr 21, 2020
621
176
43
#14
Maybe you’re the one who should chill, running around like that playing spiritual psychiatrist. The ultimate self harm comes through unbelief. That’s all I was saying.
Your chill out.
No you chill out.
No YOU chill out.

Stop it babe, and just chill out.
 
Apr 21, 2020
621
176
43
#16
This is a free forum. Quit with your dictatorship.
**edited**

Say something that will help this young person with their feelings of low self-worth.
I challenge you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#17
Maybe you’re the one who should chill, running around like that playing spiritual psychiatrist. The ultimate self harm comes through unbelief. That’s all I was saying.
Usually self harm today is the aftermath of a underlying mental illness. To say it is from unbelief sounds silly. I struggle with anxiety. The Bible says do not fear 365 times. It isnt that I dont believe in God but logically I believe. Oh so often the flesh is weak or even prone to sickness mentally or physically.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,417
3,468
113
#18
I’ve been struggling with self harm thoughts and the only thing keeping me from doing it is that I’m not sure if it’s a sin or not, can someone explain ?
Yes it is a sin.. And like other sins we should try to resist doing it.. But even if we fail to resist sin, if we believe Jesus and trust in the atonement He secured to provide forgiveness for our sins.. We shall be forgiven our sins..

I hope the LORD intervienes in your life and helps you to overcome this self harm thoughts..
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,704
3,649
113
#19
Usually self harm today is the aftermath of a underlying mental illness. To say it is from unbelief sounds silly. I struggle with anxiety. The Bible says do not fear 365 times. It isnt that I dont believe in God but logically I believe. Oh so often the flesh is weak or even prone to sickness mentally or physically.
It would be silly if Jesus was not the ultimate healer. I fully understand we are not fully healed until we are with Him, but until then we have that hope.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#20
It would be silly if Jesus was not the ultimate healer. I fully understand we are not fully healed until we are with Him, but until then we have that hope.
Of course we have hope. But you have to remember there are teachers out there that teach word faith doctrines that basically if you are sick, it is because you didn't have enough faith. Try comforting someone struggling with cancer. I'm sorry you are dealing with this, if you had only enough faith.

Just needed more clarification. Of course we should pray for Jesus to help us.