Is it still a sin if you stop before you go all the way? (mastrubation related)

[conkertheking]

O, here's the thing. I'm 17, and I decided to give up mastrubation for lent. Regardless of whether you think mastrubation itself is a sin, it has to be said that giving it up is a good lenten promise (even if you DONT think it's a sin, it's still a huge self sacrafice).

Now, I know lent is over, but I failed myself about 2 weeks into it, so I decided to extend it for a week after easter to make up for that. I actually screwed up about 4 days before easter as well, but I felt really guilty, said loads of prayers, and tried to do loads of good things the next day to make up for it...

Thing is, I stupidly started to do it earlier on, with all the sexy thoughts racing through my mind and everything, but I managed to cut it out before I came - so did I still commit a sin or am I OK?
I know this probably sounds ridiculous...

 

[conkertheking]

Sorry for the double post, just wanted to clarify: by "earlier on" I meant earlier TODAY.

 

[NHB_MMA]

I just want to say I'm dying to read the replies to this one.

I don't know whether or not I consider masturbation sinful, but let's look at it this way. If you were a kid that said you'd give up beating up your little brother for Lent, do you think God would be pleased if you substituted it by antagonizing him and intimidating him, but stopped short of hitting him. I know it's a stupid comparison, but it's the only thing I can think of. If you're going to give it up, give it up altogether. Yoda (though not a Christian theologian) said "Do or do not. There is no try."

 

[Piedpiper123]

I know this probably sounds ridiculous...

It does sound a little ridiculous.

During your Lenten fast were you thinking more or less about sex than in your normally life with masturbation? I bet you thought a lot more about sex!

I believe it to be a normal and healthy release for men - I'm not a woman so I can't speak for them. Once you have masturbated you can get on with other things without thoughts of sex dominating your mind. Also if you don't touch then you will have some unpleasant sticky nights as God created the body of men to need release. Only Jesus was created differently!

 

[EternallyPierced]

It does sound a little ridiculous.

During your Lenten fast were you thinking more or less about sex than in your normally life with masturbation? I bet you thought a lot more about sex!

I believe it to be a normal and healthy release for men - I'm not a woman so I can't speak for them. Once you have masturbated you can get on with other things without thoughts of sex dominating your mind. Also if you don't touch then you will have some unpleasant sticky nights as God created the body of men to need release. Only Jesus was created differently!

Minor unpleasantness is far better then falling prey to your flesh. I used to justify the same way. It's like the song "Amazing Grace", I once was blind but now I see.

 

[mcart909]

Is scratching an itch "falling prey to your flesh"?

Abstaining from masturbation is like fasting. It has value as an occasional exercise in discipline, but it is hardly an everyday requirement.

Why should I go through the physical discomfort of bearing pent-up sexual tension? I fail to see how relieving oneself of said tension is a spiritual issue.

 

[NHB_MMA]

I believe it to be a normal and healthy release for men - I'm not a woman so I can't speak for them. Once you have masturbated you can get on with other things without thoughts of sex dominating your mind. Also if you don't touch then you will have some unpleasant sticky nights as God created the body of men to need release.

Interesting point.

 

[BAFRIEND]

O, here's the thing. I'm 17, and I decided to give up mastrubation for lent. Regardless of whether you think mastrubation itself is a sin, it has to be said that giving it up is a good lenten promise (even if you DONT think it's a sin, it's still a huge self sacrafice).

Now, I know lent is over, but I failed myself about 2 weeks into it, so I decided to extend it for a week after easter to make up for that. I actually screwed up about 4 days before easter as well, but I felt really guilty, said loads of prayers, and tried to do loads of good things the next day to make up for it...

Thing is, I stupidly started to do it earlier on, with all the sexy thoughts racing through my mind and everything, but I managed to cut it out before I came - so did I still commit a sin or am I OK?
I know this probably sounds ridiculous...

First, I think that being able to stop once you started is very disciplined. That is because this habit is very hazardous and once the door is opened, requires cetain armour and shielding to prevent it.

Second, you need to learn how to develope mental techniques to bring you out of fantasys and acting on the urge.

Third, here is some advice. The problem men encounter in the morning is a biological function. When you sleep, your mind loses control over the muscles that control your bladder and uses a different set of muscles that cause the problem. When you wake up in the morning, use the restroom straight away. Also, if you limit fluid intake prior to sleep, it may eliminate the problem altogether. Find a hobby to replace this. Roll Yaghtzee dice or whatever. I trained for the monestery once, a failed endeaver, and this was part of the study.

Fourth, It is a sin if you act on the impulse by dwelling on it.

 

[bliz]

conkertheking -

If you believe masturbation is a sin. and you started to touch, you sinned.

However, you obviously have noticed that not all Christians believe that masturbation is inherently a sinful act.

...as God created the body of men to need release. Only Jesus was created differently!

How was Jesus created differently? He had a 100% human male body while here on earth.

 

[SonOfSophroniscus]

Good post, I agree 100%

Is scratching an itch "falling prey to your flesh"?

Abstaining from masturbation is like fasting. It has value as an occasional exercise in discipline, but it is hardly an everyday requirement.

Why should I go through the physical discomfort of bearing pent-up sexual tension? I fail to see how relieving oneself of said tension is a spiritual issue.

 

[DailyBlessings]

Whatever the case, I don't think Christ ever meant for us to spend all of our days wallowing in guilt and shame- that kind of thinking proceeds from sin and death from which we have been freed. As has been said, it's not at all clear whether masturbation is a sin at all, but my advice is this: If you feel you have failed in your fast, then do not spend your time worrying about that failure, but rather do better at keeping the next one, with the help of Christ. In the meantime, be joyful, and content in Jesus' love.

 

[Piedpiper123]

How was Jesus created differently? He had a 100% human male body while here on earth.

I was disciplined by a moderator for commiting blasphamy by suggesting Jesus probably had the same physical reactions as humans but I was warned by a moderator that I had commited blasphemy. I have learnt my lesson and will not say anything that suggests that his humanity means his bodily functions were the same as normal humans!

 

[SonOfSophroniscus]

It does not necessarily entail from believing P that P.

conkertheking -

If you believe masturbation is a sin. and you started to touch, you sinned.

However, you obviously have noticed that not all Christians believe that masturbation is inherently a sinful act.



How was Jesus created differently? He had a 100% human male body while here on earth.

 

[SonOfSophroniscus]

Cryptic - He was the 'Son of Man', after all

I was disciplined by a moderator for commiting blasphamy by suggesting Jesus probably had the same physical reactions as humans but I was warned by a moderator that I had commited blasphemy. I have learnt my lesson and will not say anything that suggests that his humanity means his bodily functions were the same as normal humans!

 

[Piedpiper123]

Cryptic - He was the 'Son of Man', after all

Probably only cryptic to you.

I'm not discussing it. One warning was enough!

 

[SonOfSophroniscus]

Aye, let's leave it there

Probably only cryptic to you.

I'm not discussing it. One warning was enough!

 

[bliz]

I'll discuss it...

Jesus had a human body. He defecated, burped, passed gas, had itchy feet, urinated and had erections and bad hair days. Fully human.

There is nothing disrespectful or blasphemous about those facts and anyone who says there is does not understand their own faith very well.

 

[Dannager]

I'll discuss it...

Jesus had a human body. He defecated, burped, passed gas, had itchy feet, urinated and had erections and bad hair days. Fully human.

There is nothing disrespectful or blasphemous about those facts and anyone who says there is does not understand their own faith very well.

Agreed.

 

[Hunterkirk]

O, here's the thing. I'm 17, and I decided to give up mastrubation for lent. Regardless of whether you think mastrubation itself is a sin, it has to be said that giving it up is a good lenten promise (even if you DONT think it's a sin, it's still a huge self sacrafice).

Now, I know lent is over, but I failed myself about 2 weeks into it, so I decided to extend it for a week after easter to make up for that. I actually screwed up about 4 days before easter as well, but I felt really guilty, said loads of prayers, and tried to do loads of good things the next day to make up for it...

Thing is, I stupidly started to do it earlier on, with all the sexy thoughts racing through my mind and everything, but I managed to cut it out before I came - so did I still commit a sin or am I OK?
I know this probably sounds ridiculous...

Ok lets begin with what Jesus said..

Matthew 5:28
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Now there are other verses with a similar concept, so the idea is that simply having the desire or thinking about doing something make you quilty of doing it. Now the typical response at this point is "Wow that seems massively unfair" or put more simply "I give up then, I am doomed"

It is at that point you must remember that we are all sinful beings. That our standards of Good and Bad are nothing when compaired to the standards of our Creator which is perfection. So are we doomed since we have all sinned? Yes we should be but by the Grace of God Jesus Gave his life so that you may live. Jesus has taken those sins from us and all we need do is accept his grace and try to follow the best we can.

This does not mean we are free to ignore sin or free to sin as much as we want? No, as to do so shows we are not truely following Jesus. But we are called to do our best and pray that God guides us.

So what of the sin? Pray for forgiveness and strength. God knows you are not strong enough to enter heaven without his grace. We all sin for it is in our nature to do so. The goal is the follow the best we can and accept the grace God has given us.

 

[BAFRIEND]

There is no forgiveness without the desire not to commit the particular sin again. if you live in a sexual relationship with a partner, not married, same sex or not, you will not be forgiven because you are still in the state of sin.

You must get away from the sin and repent, to not do so is hatred of God.