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What does the Bible say about self-flagellation
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Every year during Holy Week, devout religious individuals perform an act known as self-flagellation
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In the Philippines, various places observe this practice, locally referred to as panata
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Self-flagellation involves striking oneself with a whip or other instrument as a form of religious devotion or penance
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Practitioners believe it is a means to repent for sins, demonstrate commitment, and even seek favor from God
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Recently, a man attempted self-flagellation, but it quickly went awry. He was dragged on the street, while several people struck him with wooden sticks and paddles
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This incident highlights the potential danger of self-flagellation, which can prove fatally hazardous
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Now, why do people engage in self-flagellation, particularly during Holy Week? Primarily, it's an act of religious devotion
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Some individuals view it as a way to express piety and dedication to their faith, often likening it to the suffering of Jesus Christ
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Additionally, it serves as a form of penance for sins, where inflicting physical pain upon oneself is seen as a means of seeking forgiveness from a higher power
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However, amidst this fervor, we must question whether God condones self-harm. Clearly, the answer is no. This is not what God desires from those who seek to follow and obey Him
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Let me give you three reasons why self-flagellation is wrong according to the Bible
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Number one, our body is the temple of God. In 1 Corinthians 6, verses 19 to 20, we read
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Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own
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For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's
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This passage tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with utmost respect and care
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Engaging in self-harm through self-flagellation is definitely not a way for us to take care of the temple God has given us
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Number two, we are forgiven through the grace of God. Self-flagellation is and will never be the right way for us to ask for God's forgiveness
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The Bible never teaches us to hit or wound ourselves in order for us to be forgiven
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Instead, we read in Ephesians 1, verse 7, We don't have to go through self-flagellation
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In 1 John 1, verse 9, we read, Instead of helping us to ask for forgiveness, self-flagellation shows a lack of trust in God's grace and forgiveness for sins
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as it suggests that additional punishment or penance is necessary beyond Christ's sacrifice
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What's more, engaging in self-flagellation as a form of penance could be viewed as relying on human effort rather than on God's grace for salvation
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Number three, we are called to be a living sacrifice. We read in Romans 12, verses 1 to 2
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Notice, instead of beating ourselves with whips and sticks, we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service
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This means that we serve God and others. Hurting ourselves doesn't serve anyone
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It is an unnecessary and useless sacrifice that God doesn't accept. The danger of self-flagellation is that it can be a form of false piety or outward display of religious devotion
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It is simply a show. In fact, in some places, people get entertained when they watch people hurt themselves
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This tells us that self-flagellation diverts people from what truly matters. Instead of showing people how sorry you are for hurting yourself, why not focus on renewing your mind and doing your best to align your heart with God's will and purpose for you
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As you can see, self-flagellation is wrong. It is unbiblical. It is a demonic deception that needs to be stopped
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God is not pleased with self-flagellation. Instead, do your best to obey Him, which is truly the right response to God's overwhelming love, grace, and mercy
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But a simple gesture would help you reach more people and share the Word of God with the rest of the world
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You have the power to make a difference in people's lives
