Is Self Harm A Sin?
Self-harm is a painful issue that affects many people across different age ranges and backgrounds. Whether it involves razor blades, sharp objects, or other forms of self-inflicted violence, people self-harm as a way of coping with deep emotional distress, strong emotions, or negative thoughts.
But as Christians, we may ask, is self-harm a sin? To understand what Godโs Word says about this, letโs explore the Bible, considering biblical truths, the love of God, and how to find true hope in Him.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
Self-harm is often a response to overwhelming emotions or as a way of feeling control over oneโs body when life seems chaotic. Sometimes, people may experience suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts, or even attempt suicide.
They may not necessarily want to die, but they are in a hard place emotionally and mentally and want an escape. Others may harm themselves to escape feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or the sinful world around them.
In some cases, substance abuse and alcohol use can accompany self-harm, further complicating the cycle of pain. Clinical psychologist Steven Levenkron explains that self-harm can become a way of managing or numbing emotional distress, but it is a harmful and dangerous way to cope.
The Bible teaches us to turn to the love of God and the grace of our Heavenly Father in these moments, rather than falling prey to Satanโs lies.
Examples from the Bible: Prophets of Baal and Elijah
In 1 Kings 18, we find an example of self-inflicted violence. The prophets of Baal, during a showdown with the prophet Elijah, cried out and cut themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, to try to get the attention of their false god.
The Bible says, โThey called on the name of Baal from morning till noon, โO Baal, answer us!โโ but nothing happened. The self-harm of these prophets was rooted in their belief in a false gospel and worship of a false god. Elijah mocked them, saying, โCall louder! Maybe heโs deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakenedโ (1 Kings 18:27).
Elijahโs response to the prophets of Baal reminds us that no amount of self-inflicted pain can bring us closer to God. We do not have to harm our bodies to call on the name of the Lord. God hears us in our distress, without the need for physical pain or harmful rituals.
In this instance, self-harm is a sin as the commandments say that we should not worship any other God, only Heavenly Father. The prophets of Baal were using self-harm to worship their false God.
Scripture Verses
Leviticus 19:28 says – Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:28, applied to a modern day perspective, could be related to tattoos and piercings, not necessarily self-harm. While it says that no markings or cuttings should be on the body as it defiles the body we, also should not defile our body while we are alive.
In the times when Leviticus was written, biblical scholars believed that the cuttings and drawings related to pagan burial rituals as it states that this should not be done for the dead.
As mentioned earlier, the Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This concept comes from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Paul is saying that if you are a Christian, then Godโs spirit lives in your body. You no longer belong to yourself, which means that you donโt have the right to do whatever you want. Instead, the thing to do โin your bodyโ is to glorify God. We are not to defile our bodies. This applies to many circumstances such as bad language, lustful thoughts or any sinful behavior.
Engaging in self-harm, whether it’s cutting, burning, or another type of self-mutilation; we are defacing something sacredโour own body, which God has given us as a living sacrifice for His good work. This can seem like a mortal sin to some, but the Bible calls for compassion, recognizing that those who self-harm are often caught in a vicious cycle of emotional stress and distress.
We are made in the image of God, and our bodies are sacred. Self-harm, while often stemming from deep emotional stress, is not the first step God wants us to take in finding relief. God calls us to treat our bodies with respect and care, not to harm them in moments of despair.
Feelings That Things are never going to get better.
Itโs common to go through seasons of life where it feels like things will never get better, especially when dealing with mental health struggles. During these times, emotions like hopelessness, despair, and anxiety can cloud our vision, making it hard to believe that change is possible.
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can distort reality, convincing us that our current state will never improve. These overwhelming feelings often create a sense of isolation, where it seems like no one understands or that thereโs no way out of the emotional pain.
However, it’s important to remember that mental health challenges, while real and painful, are not permanent. Just as physical wounds take time to heal, so do emotional and psychological wounds. The key is to seek help and support, whether from a mental health professional, trusted friends, or family.
Therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication can provide the tools and relief needed to navigate these dark periods. When trapped in negative thinking, it can be easy to overlook the possibility of recovery, but countless people who have experienced the depths of depression and anxiety have found their way to healing.
While itโs difficult to feel hopeful in the middle of mental health struggles, itโs crucial to remind yourself that feelings are temporary, and things can get better with time and the right support. Small steps, like reaching out for help, engaging in self-care, and addressing underlying issues, can lead to significant improvements.
Though it may not feel like it in the moment, healing is possible, and there is hope for a brighter future, even when it feels like the darkness is all-encompassing.
Accountability & Mental Health
Just as we cannot be baptised before we are eight due as we are not held accountable for our decisions, the same question resonates with me when it is applied to mental health issues. The question of whether mentally ill people are accountable for their decisions is complex and I believe that this depends on the nature and severity of the mental illness.
In many cases, mental illness can significantly impair a person’s ability to make sound judgments, understand the consequences of their actions, or control their behavior. This can raise important ethical, legal, and spiritual questions about accountability.
From a psychological perspective, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or certain anxiety disorders can distort reality, impair judgment, and reduce impulse control. All three of these disorders can present with symptoms of psychosis, which can leave one seeing, or hearing things that are not there.
In these situations, people may not be fully aware of the impact of their actions or may feel overwhelmed by their symptoms, which influences their decision-making abilities. In legal contexts, this is often recognized by concepts like diminished capacity or insanity defenses, which acknowledge that people with severe mental illnesses may not be fully responsible for certain actions.
From a compassionate perspective, accountability for one’s actions in matters of sin is often tied to a personโs mental state and intent. If a person is struggling with mental illness, their ability to make clear, rational decisions can be severely impaired. This impairment can inhibit their capacity to fully comprehend the consequences of their actions or to exercise self-control.
From a spiritual or moral standpoint, many religious teachings emphasize compassion and understanding toward those suffering from mental illness. For instance, God is often viewed as just and merciful, taking into account an individualโs capacity to make decisions in light of their mental state. If a person is incapable of fully understanding their actions due to mental illness, they may not be held to the same level of accountability as someone who is mentally sound.
Self-harm, when stemming from a state of deep emotional or mental distress, is not a reflection of a personโs moral character but rather an indication of their need for help, support, and healing. Their behavior is more symptomatic of their mental struggle than a conscious decision to commit sin.
However, accountability isn’t a black-and-white concept. People with milder forms of mental illness, or those receiving treatment, may still have the capacity to make responsible choices in many areas of life. The key is understanding the individual’s mental state at the time of the decision, as well as the level of support and resources they have access to.
Overall, accountability in the context of mental illness requires sensitivity to the specific challenges a person faces, along with compassion for the difficulties imposed by their condition.
In many religious and ethical frameworks, accountability for sin is associated with having the mental and emotional capacity to make free, informed choices. If a person is suffering from severe depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders that distort their sense of reality, they cannot be held fully accountable in the same way someone in a healthy state of mind would be. Self-harm, therefore, should not be viewed through the lens of sin but rather as a sign of distress that calls for compassion, understanding, and appropriate mental health care.
Practical Ways to Cope
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to seek professional help.
Speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health services can provide the support needed to break the vicious cycle of self-harming behaviors.
Family therapy and additional resources like phone support services can be instrumental in fostering healing.
There are also many healthy coping mechanisms that can replace self-harm. Some people find relief through exercise, art, or wearing a rubber band around the wrist to snap when strong urges to self-harm arise. Journaling, prayer, and meditating on Godโs Word can also offer comfort and remind us of Godโs love and the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mental Health Tool: Judging Your Thoughts
One powerful mental health tool is learning to become the judge of your own thoughts. This involves stepping back and examining your thoughts objectively, much like a judge evaluates evidence before making a decision. In moments of anxiety, stress, or depression, our thoughts can be distorted, leading us to believe negative or unhelpful things about ourselves, our situation, or the world around us. By judging our thoughts, we can determine whether they are based on truth or distorted by emotion.
When you judge your own thoughts, youโre able to ask critical questions: Is this thought rational? Is this true? Is it based on facts or assumptions? Would I say this to someone else? For example, if youโre thinking, โIโll never be good enough,โ step back and evaluate whether this is a fair assessment of yourself.
Often, thoughts like these are exaggerated or shaped by a temporary emotional state, and they donโt reflect the full picture of who you are or your potential. By examining these thoughts, you can begin to challenge the negative patterns and replace them with healthier, more balanced thinking.
This tool can help break cycles of negativity and automatic negative thoughts that contribute to poor mental health. Just as a judge weighs evidence, you can weigh your thoughts carefully, recognizing which ones are helpful and which ones are harmful.
Over time, this practice can lead to better emotional regulation and a more realistic, positive outlook. Itโs a way to take control of your mind, rather than letting your thoughts control you. With practice, this skill becomes a powerful ally in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Will This Matter In 5 Years From Now?
The mental health tool of asking, “Will this matter in five years?” can be incredibly powerful when dealing with stress, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions. Often, we find ourselves caught up in daily worries, frustrations, or negative events that feel monumental in the moment.
By pausing and considering whether the issue will still have significance five years from now, we can gain a broader perspective on its actual impact on our lives. This simple question helps us separate immediate emotions from long-term consequences, encouraging a more balanced and thoughtful response to stressful situations.
When you ask yourself this question, you engage in cognitive reframing, a mental health technique that shifts the focus from the current intensity of the problem to its long-term relevance. For instance, an argument with a friend or a mistake at work might feel catastrophic in the moment, but asking, “Will this still matter in five years?” helps you recognize that most day-to-day conflicts or missteps wonโt have lasting effects. It allows you to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on things that truly matter in the bigger picture, such as relationships, health, and personal growth.
By using this tool regularly, you cultivate emotional resilience. Not everything in life needs to be solved urgently or worried over extensively, and recognizing that can reduce feelings of pressure and anxiety. Shifting focus to whatโs truly important encourages a healthier mindset, helping you to navigate lifeโs challenges with more peace and clarity. It also reinforces the idea that life is full of ups and downs, and most things, even those that seem overwhelming at the time, eventually fade in significance.
Mindful Distraction Techniques
One effective way to manage self-harm urges is to engage in distraction techniques that focus your attention elsewhere.
Activities such as drawing, journaling, listening to music, or taking a walk can redirect your mind from self-harm thoughts. Even holding ice cubes or snapping a rubber band against your wrist can simulate sensations without causing harm.
These tools give your brain a break from emotional overwhelm, offering a chance to ride out the intense feelings without resorting to self-injury.
Grounding Exercises
Grounding techniques help you stay connected to the present moment when you’re feeling overwhelmed. One simple technique is the “5-4-3-2-1” method: Name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise shifts your focus from distressing emotions to the physical sensations around you, which can help reduce the urge to self-harm by calming your nervous system.
Developing a Safety Plan
Having a personalized safety plan in place can be a crucial tool during moments of crisis. This plan typically includes steps such as identifying early warning signs of self-harm urges, listing coping strategies, and knowing whom to contact for supportโwhether a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You can also include calming activities, emergency contacts, and ways to make your environment safer by limiting access to tools used for self-harm.
Safety Plan Template
Follow the below promptings to create your own safety plan.
When I feel overwhelmed and distressed, I will: (Impulse control action for 60 seconds) Count to 100, walk to the end of the block, hold some ice in my hand, have a cold shower, or put a wet cloth on my forehead.
Then, I will: (Anger release) Go for a run, throw socks at the wall, scream into a pillow, squeeze a stress ball, or punch a pillow.
Then, I will: (Cognitive action) Judge my thoughts, recognize if it will matter five years from now, or ask if what I am telling myself is really true.
Lastly, I will: (Calming activity) Meditate, do yoga in my house, go for a walk in the park or nature, play with some play dough or slime, do a crossword puzzle, draw, or color. I have some scriptural word finders that I find really helpful.
Finding Hope in Godโs Grace
The good news is that there is hope in Christ Jesus. Jesus came to bring life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). While the cycle of self-harm may feel unbreakable, Godโs grace is sufficient for every weakness, every painful issue, and every wrong thing done to ourselves. In moments of despair, we are called to trust in the truth of God and turn to the name of the Lord for peace.
Godโs Word tells us that the โprayer of a righteous person is powerful and effectiveโ (James 5:16). Through prayer, the love of God, and professional support, we can break free from the grip of self-harm and find the positive change that God has prepared for each of His children.
If you are in emotional distress or experiencing self-harming behaviors, donโt hesitate to seek help. God has a perfect life planned for youโone filled with love, peace, and healing.
Tell me what did you conclude? Is self harm a sin?
