“Can you recommend some romance novels I can read? It gets really lonely at night,” she said.
My eyes grew wide as my smile faded. I scanned the corners of my bedroom, searching for an answer to give this vulnerable young woman who was spilling her guts to me on the other side of the phone line. She had good intentions. She wanted to honor God by not having sex outside of marriage while simultaneously remedying her sexual desires on her own.
“Well, I don’t really recommend romance novels,” I finally stammered. I was new in ministry and had never been asked a question like this. She didn’t tell me what she was planning on doing after (or while) reading those romance novels, but she didn’t have to. I was born at night, but not last night. “I don’t think masturbation is honoring to God,” I muttered. There. I said it. Masturbation was a sin . . . right? I wasn’t so sure.
Masturbation, the act of self-stimulation for sexual pleasure, has long been a topic of debate within the Church. The question of whether masturbation is a sin often stirs deep-seated beliefs, wild opinions, and theological conclusions. While some Christian denominations categorize it as outright sinful behavior, others take a more nuanced approach. Factors like the individual’s motive, context, and spiritual maturity all play a part. Let’s explore another perspective regarding masturbation and attempt to approach this controversial conversation with grace and truth. Click to continue reading the full article. Photo Credit: SWN Design/Canva Pro/Dana Che Wiliams Photo used with permission.
Dana Che Williams is a speaker, marriage/relationship coach, and the host of the Rebuilding US podcast, where she helps people uncomplicate relationships and build deeper connections. She is also a devoted daughter and friend of God and serves as a Teaching Pastor at a multi-site, multi-ethnic church in Virginia Beach, VA. In groups, large or small, Dana's mission is singular: to help lead people into more fruitful and connected relationships with the Lord and each other. On the podcast, she is known for her graceful candor, humor, and encouraging yet challenging advice. Dana holds a B.A. in communication from Regent University. She has a fierce passion for fashion and a fiercer passion for truth. She shares her life with Shaun, her childhood sweetheart and husband of twenty-four years, their four amazing children, and their “multi-cultural” dog in beautiful Virginia Beach, VA. Connect with her on social media @mrsdanache and find helpful relationship resources on her website at https://danache.com.
