Last updated on October 22, 2020
Question:
I’m a female with a habit of masturbating. Every time I do it I feel this guilt and that really kills me. I’m a Christian and I really love God and serve Him. I want to give my whole life to Him, but this problem seems to be coming back again and again. I don’t know what to do. I know it is a sin. I don’t have a strong will to say “no” to this thing. I usually do it once or twice a month.
Please help me and pray for me.
Answer:
For females, masturbation serves no useful purpose, which is why you feel guilt over it. What is the actual problem is that you find yourself with no self-control. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:24-27). Likely you engage in this when you are bored or feeling bad about yourself. The appropriate thing to do is fill those times with productive things that improve your outlook for the long term. Pursuing lust only gives a temporary thrill that leaves you wanting more because it never truly satisfies. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:15-17).