“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.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Bible Verses About Tattoos New Testament
The Body as a Temple
Our bodies are precious gifts from God. They are not just physical vessels, but temples that house the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, we are reminded of the importance of treating our bodies with respect and honor. This respect can lead us to consider how we adorn our bodies, including the decision to get tattoos. We must ask ourselves if our choices reflect our commitment to the Lord and how we wish to present our faith to others. By caring for our bodies, we show gratitude to our Creator, who designed us intentionally and lovingly.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Philippians 1:20
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” – Philippians 1:20
The Meaning of Tattoos
Tattoos can carry deeper meanings tied to our identities, cultures, and our spiritual lives. As we reflect on whether or not to get a tattoo, we should consider what those symbols or messages represent in our lives. Each of us carries our own story, and in some cases, tattoos can serve as a testament to the experiences that shaped us. However, it’s essential that whatever we choose to ink on our bodies aligns with our faith and does not contradict our walk with Jesus. We must make choices that honor God.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
Decisions Guided by Faith
Making decisions about tattoos should always be guided by our relationship with Christ. We should weigh the choice against what we believe God desires for us. Seeking God’s guidance in prayer can help us understand what aligns best with our faith. We might find that God leads us to different conclusions about the need for tattoos over the course of our lives. As we make such decisions, we do so with an intention to honor Him above all.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Transforming Our Lives
Our choices about body art like tattoos can reflect the transformation that has happened within us through faith. As followers of Christ, we are called to be representatives of His love and grace. Our tattoos can tell the story of our faith journeys — moments that confirm our relationship with God. If we decide to get a tattoo, we can aim for designs that illustrate our faith and the love we have for the Father. In this way, tattoos become an outward expression of our inner commitment to Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Colossians 3:10
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Colossians 3:10
Personal Expression and Identity
Choosing to express ourselves through tattoos can be an act of creativity and individuality. However, it is crucial that our choices reflect our Christian values and morals. In expressing our identity as Christians, we can choose ink that tells a story reflective of faith. We want our tattoos to communicate our love for God and the lives He has transformed. By expressing ourselves responsibly, we can use tattoos as a way to honor our uniqueness and glorify God at the same time.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
Romans 12:6
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.” – Romans 12:6
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
The Love of Christ as Our Guide
At the heart of every decision we make about our bodies, including tattoos, should be the love of Christ. His love for us inspires our choices and the way we express ourselves. We want our decisions to point back to Him and to showcase the beauty of His grace. Knowing that we are deeply loved by God helps us make choices that reflect His principles. If we decide to tattoo, let it be a constant reminder of His love in our lives and our commitment to walking in His ways.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
1 Thessalonians 3:12
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of tattoos and how it relates to our faith in Christ, we realize that every decision we make about our bodies should be approached carefully. Our bodies are temples that deserve respect. Tattoos can be a way to express our faith, but we must be vigilant to ensure they align with God’s purpose for our lives.
We can seek God’s wisdom through prayer and scripture, as well as include loved ones in the conversation. While our identities can embody various forms, our ultimate identity rests in being children of God, called to walk in love and grace. Therefore, it is crucial we let our choices reflect those values.
If you are contemplating a tattoo or make choices about how to decorate your body, let it be a reflection of your faith journey. For those interested in expanding their understanding of scripture’s view on body art, you can read more about marking your body or explore the meaning behind Christ sacrificing His life in our place in this passage about Jesus dying for our sins.