Sinful Tattoo

[faroukfarouk]

Laser removal of tattoos doesn't really work very well, especially for dark ink. It's also very expensive, takes multiple treatments and can be painful. If you really want it gone, re-tattooing over the design is your best bet. It doesn't have to be a solid black splodge to cover over black.

Yes, and this is why the amending of existing dark, tribal lines is far more straightforward.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes, that is the one, although the design of mine is a lot more aggressive looking as opposed to simple lines. It's definitely profound to me how much the Holy Spirit can change my perception of something. It used to look like such a courageous and strong symbol opposing evil influence. Now it looks like malicious barbs that have been symbolizing keeping the truth out of my heart over the years.

I suppose that if I can't get it professionally covered before my baptizing, I will just cover it with a big bandage. It feels like a wound, anyway.

TurtleAnne:

Hebrews 9.11 speaks of 'the blood of Christ Who through the eternal Spirit ... purg(ing) your conscience from dead works to serve the living God'.

It's what we are Godward that counts.

That being said, plenty of Christians have tattoos; see quote on #5, above.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

I am curious for others' perceptions and thoughts on this matter.

I have a tattoo that I received several years ago. It is not mainstream offensive, as in it is not vulgar or anything along those lines, but it is a pagan tattoo and at the time I had it done, it represented for me a self-reliance (rather than a reliance on God) in regards to resisting evil. Obviously this was also at a time in my life when I was still thinking in terms that symbolism actually mattered and that it could help me be a good person, as opposed to the internal, unseen hard and complex work of genuinely trying to be a better a person. Suffice to say I was pretty immature compared to real wisdom, and mostly just being rebellious and impulsive.

This tattoo is in a place that is prominent unless I make a deliberate effort to keep it covered with clothing choices. I've also gone through periods of severe guilt about the tattoo, although I by now I've reached the understanding that it's more about what others think. God has always known that I have this tattoo, obviously, but what sort of message does it send to others? And also, what would I look like, professing my faith in Jesus Christ, while standing there with a tribal pagan tattoo.

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford to have it removed. Once I finish my college degree in about a year and can become employed again, I'll probably be able to afford to have it covered up, like just a hand-sized black blotch so that it's well, just a big blotch of ink rather than a specific design. That is the best I could afford to do, aside from mutilating it off of my body and having to go to the emergency room (which is something I've honestly contemplated due to how terrible I feel about it sometimes).

At one point, someone else advised me that maybe I should leave it as it is, and use it as some sort of testimony in regards to how I was once astray enough to get a tattoo like that, but then wound up being saved, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.

It has sort of become like this dark secret of mine. I'm currently seeking a church, for example, as I haven't regularly attended church since I was a child, and of course when I go to visit the churches on my list to try them out in search of the right one for me, I'll be making sure that tattoo is covered up, and I certainly won't be eager to mention it to anyone. So then what happens if when the day comes when I am finally able to be baptized, other people see it. The whole situation just gives me a terrible gut feeling.

Lately I've been trying to reach out and feel for what God wants me to do about it, but I haven't felt confident that I've received a response yet, or some sort of sign.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this sort of situation?

First, all sinners saved by grace, have done countless things which we deeply regret.

May I gentle push you too consider this. If you completely understand salvation by grace, then you won't be upset with yourself. When you understand that there was no good in you as a reason for God's choosing you then you will not be as surprised, or scandalized by your own sin.

I wish all of the pro-tattoo people would read your post. . .

 

[faroukfarouk]

First, all sinner saved by grace, have done countless things which we deeply regret.

May I gentle push you too consider this. If you completely understand salvation by grace, then you won't be upset with yourself. When you understand that there was no good in you as a reason for God's choosing you then you will not be as surprised, or scandalized by your own sin.

I wish all of the pro-tattoo people would read your post. . .

So do you think that all tattoos are bad, or some more than others, or some in faith based designs capable of being effective in witness conversations?

 

[JellyQuest]

A good artist will be able to cover that very easily. But even if you don't go through another tattoo or a cover, I would seriously suggest that you book a consultation with an artist to discuss your options - including laser therapy.



Cutting yourself shaving doesn't glorify Jesus either, but you still do it.

Besides the point, I disagree with you on all counts, but then, that is my opinion. I see God given artwork and creativity whereas you see sinful self-injury.

Horses for courses.

Of course you disagree with glorifying God in every aspect of your life and being and prefer to go with your own opinion. If ， you have not yet repented of your own ways. Then your not walking his way out of love for him .but your own way.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Of course you disagree with glorifying God in every aspect of your life and being and prefer to go with your own opinion. If ， you have not yet repented of your own ways. Then your not walking his way out of love for him .but your own way.

Do you discount any useful witness conversations that might arise as a result of a tattoo with a Bible verse, as opposed to if it's written on a poster or a tract or during a sermon?

 

[JellyQuest]

TurtleAnne:

Hebrews 9.11 speaks of 'the blood of Christ Who through the eternal Spirit ... purg(ing) your conscience from dead works to serve the living God'.

It's what we are Godward that counts.

That being said, plenty of Christians have tattoos; see quote on #5, above.

This is unbelievably double minded.its like saying adultary is wrong but many do it so its ok...
Theres is no love for god alone in such a stance .it is fully uncomital doublemindedness. Its admitting a sinful action while refusing to give it up at the same time. A fully unrepentant mind.

 

[faroukfarouk]

This is unbelievably double minded.its like saying adultary is wrong but many do it so its ok...
Theres is no love for god alone in such a stance .it is fully uncomital doublemindedness. Its admitting a sinful action while refusing to give it up at the same time. A fully unrepentant mind.

What do you mean?

The OP referred to a pagan design that she now regrets. This is what I was referring to in my post, when I mentioned the Hebrews quote. I think you are probably interpreting all other Christians' references to tattoos as referring to all tattoos everywhere, because this happens to be your view.

The fact is that - in North America at least -many Christians do have tattoos in designs they don't regret, many of them faith based designs; FYI:

Around here (Bible Belt), it is common, especially among evangelical Christians, for the girls under about 40 to have religious tattoos. More do than don't, especially when you get to the under 30 crowd. I hardly know any female at church that is under 30 that does not have a tattoo.

forums dot thewelltrainedmind dot com

 

[jimmyjimmy]

So do you think that all tattoos are bad, or some more than others, or some in faith based designs capable of being effective in witness conversations?

Temple prostitutes would get more men out to church. Should we implement them?

 

[JellyQuest]

Do you discount any useful witness conversations that might arise as a result of a tattoo with a Bible verse, as opposed to if it's written on a poster or a tract or during a sermon?

Never encountered one in 40 years.nor such a testimony . we live by the word of god.we dont justify things with water weak one off scenario to prop up the will of the flesh in opposition to the will of the Holy spirit .we are instructed to walk in the spirit so as to NOT fulfill the will of the flesh.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Temple prostitutes would get more men out to church. Should we implement them?

I fail to see equivalence between a tattooed Bible verse or reference conscientiously undertaken, and prostitution. I do feel this obscures rather than helps the discussion.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Never encountered one in 40 years.nor such a testimony . we live by the word of god.we dont justify things with water weak one off scenario to prop up the will of the flesh in opposition to the will of the Holy spirit .we are instructed to walk in the spirit so as to NOT fulfill the will of the flesh.

See post #28, above; in North America for Christians to have tattoos - many of them faith based - is quite widespread.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

I fail to see equivalence between a tattooed Bible verse or reference conscientiously undertaken, and prostitution. I do feel this obscures rather than helps the discussion.

The end does not justify the means.

 

[John Hyperspace]

I am curious for others' perceptions and thoughts on this matter.

I have a tattoo that I received several years ago. It is not mainstream offensive, as in it is not vulgar or anything along those lines, but it is a pagan tattoo and at the time I had it done, it represented for me a self-reliance (rather than a reliance on God) in regards to resisting evil. Obviously this was also at a time in my life when I was still thinking in terms that symbolism actually mattered and that it could help me be a good person, as opposed to the internal, unseen hard and complex work of genuinely trying to be a better a person. Suffice to say I was pretty immature compared to real wisdom, and mostly just being rebellious and impulsive.

This tattoo is in a place that is prominent unless I make a deliberate effort to keep it covered with clothing choices. I've also gone through periods of severe guilt about the tattoo, although I by now I've reached the understanding that it's more about what others think. God has always known that I have this tattoo, obviously, but what sort of message does it send to others? And also, what would I look like, professing my faith in Jesus Christ, while standing there with a tribal pagan tattoo.

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford to have it removed. Once I finish my college degree in about a year and can become employed again, I'll probably be able to afford to have it covered up, like just a hand-sized black blotch so that it's well, just a big blotch of ink rather than a specific design. That is the best I could afford to do, aside from mutilating it off of my body and having to go to the emergency room (which is something I've honestly contemplated due to how terrible I feel about it sometimes).

At one point, someone else advised me that maybe I should leave it as it is, and use it as some sort of testimony in regards to how I was once astray enough to get a tattoo like that, but then wound up being saved, but I'm not sure how I feel about that.

It has sort of become like this dark secret of mine. I'm currently seeking a church, for example, as I haven't regularly attended church since I was a child, and of course when I go to visit the churches on my list to try them out in search of the right one for me, I'll be making sure that tattoo is covered up, and I certainly won't be eager to mention it to anyone. So then what happens if when the day comes when I am finally able to be baptized, other people see it. The whole situation just gives me a terrible gut feeling.

Lately I've been trying to reach out and feel for what God wants me to do about it, but I haven't felt confident that I've received a response yet, or some sort of sign.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this sort of situation?

Every perceived disadvantage is an advantage in disguise. You just have to discover how to change it from the one to the other. I wouldn't worry about it, God doesn't care about the flesh; only the spirit. But every disadvantage can be made into an advantage.

 

[faroukfarouk]

The end does not justify the means.

Is this another way of saying that the Holy Spirit will only use Bible verses or references or symbols which are drawn or inked on canvases that you or I might like or approve of?

Lots of Christians do find faith based tattoos effective in witness conversations; whatever one might think or aspire to, this is a fact.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Is this another way of saying that the Holy Spirit will only use Bible verses or references or symbols which are drawn or inked on canvases that you or I might like or approve of?

Lots of Christians do find faith based tattoos effective in witness conversations; whatever one might think or aspire to, this is a fact.

I find the practice both sinful and foolish, as foolish as using temple prostitutes to attract more men to church.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I find the practice both sinful and foolish, as foolish as using temple prostitutes to attract more men to church.

Take an 18-year old young woman from a Baptist church or someplace, who gets a Bible verse inked on her wrist to witness to her friends, or a serious young man going into the military who gets something similar. Whatever you and I may think, one way or another, you simply can't say this is the same as prostitution.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Take an 18-year old young woman from a Baptist church or someplace, who gets a Bible verse inked on her wrist to witness to her friends, or a serious young man going into the military who gets something similar. Whatever you and I may think, one way or another, you simply can't say this is the same as prostitution.

You asked. I answered, and I was fairly sure that you would care what my answer was, as you mind was made up.

Was the lesson of OP was wasted on you?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

 

[faroukfarouk]

You asked. I answered, and I was fairly sure that you would care what my answer was, as you mind was made up.

Was the lesson of OP was wasted on you?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

Actually I empathize with the OP; she is far from alone in having a tattoo she later regrets.

What you seem to be projecting both to her and to other people's views is that all tattoos everywhere including faith based ones that so many Christians have, cannot be used in blessing; correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[jimmyjimmy]

Actually I empathize with the OP; she is far from alone in having a tattoo she later regrets.

What you seem to be projecting both to her and to other people's views is that all tattoos everywhere including faith based ones that so many Christians have, cannot be used in blessing; correct me if I'm wrong.

Tattoos are no way to spread the gospel. They are forbidden, first of all. Secondly, there is no prescription to use such methods. Preaching is God's prescribed way of spreading the gospel.

Lastly, God doesn't need us turning ourselves into human paper to save His people. He will lose none.

Our "advertising" methods don't save. Christ does, and He does through through the proclamation of the gospel.