I have noticed this with me, too. I still do it, but much less often -- it's like I've been set free of the need to do it.

May as well chime in here and say "me too". There's something about breaking the silence that relieves the tension and compulsivity of it...

Andy, mb is not a sin, if it were, then it would also forbid women to do it, which of course it does.
I used to do it as a kid until I was pretty sore, and felt like just another w*nker.

Its all part of the cycle of guilt, against spirituality.
Its just another part of blaming yourself for abuse, and denying your natural bodily reaction, of being sexually aroused, and fulfilling that need.

It is quite natural, believe me,

ste

I'm glad that I'm not alone with this. It has been so many years since I felt this way it actually feels abnormal, but not in a bad way. I hope to continue healing and experiencing this new emotional life I am discovering.

ste,

I agree, the act itself is not a sin. The thoughts that accompany it though can be sinful if not kept in check. My original complaint was that if a man cannot marry, is he supposed to just "burn with passion" every day of his life? (1 Corinthians 7)

Andy

I think it's also important to note the apostle Paul did not say burning with passion was sin or bad or wrong - just that it was better to be married. He also said he wished all were like him, and single.

We've talked a lot about masturbation not being a sin. Neither is "burning with desire". Again - it's the heart that matters.

my 2 cents

M

Andy, burning with passion is all I thought from early teens to now. But, if I fulfil that passion, I would have to be totally sure that the woman would be able to take me for all my, or her faults.

Who? Wants to burn in the fire of my passion I wondered!
MB, is not a sin, because I struggled with this one for many years, and have came to the conclusion that God gave us a body to enjoy, and he would not want us not to witness or embrace affection in our lives as broken kids.

"Blessed are my children".
We are still all, "lamb of God".

You are too,

ste

Mark,

I agree. Burning with passion itself is not a sin, but like any "burning" in life it is an unpleasant, unfulfilling circumstance.

Agreed, Andy. We just don't need to add guilt to something where there should be no guilt.

M

Andy, we are just doting on our past, when sex was thrust upon us, like a weapon, with no sign of love or affection attached.
Spiritually, or medically, it is a way of keeping the body free of toxic things that can build up.

Womens' bodies do it normally in fertility.

There does not appear to be a reference directly in the Bible regarding mb.
God said. "Thou shalt not cast thy seed on stony ground".

That refers to a whole load of things, if you think about it, but it is not related to mb.

We need to go back and think about the little boy who suffered, and how he survived through all the extra challenges in life.
You and all of us, need to shake that little kid like mad, hug him, and say he is free of his past ["GUILT"!/]

Wot a Word, that is????

ste