Are tattoos okay if they are Christian in nature?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Many people have misinterpreted Leviticus 19:28 and used it to support the belief that tattoos are sinful. However, this argument must be rejected. The command is specifically tied to the Mosaic Law and not applicable to Christians today because Jesus's death fulfilled and completed the Law, ending its requirements on us (Romans 10:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Ephesians 2:15). Additionally, some scholars believe this verse is specifically referring to harming oneself in order to partake in a pagan ritual. That said, we should explore our motives with every important decision we make; thankfully, God can help us do this (Psalm 139:23-24). In the New Testament, we see that while “‘all things are lawful,’” not all things are “helpful” or “build up” us or others around us (First Corinthians 10:23-24 ). We should assess if a Christian tattoo could help or harm our witness for Christ and should seek to glorify God with everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even if we hold a personal conviction for or against tattoos, we must not judge those who hold a different conviction (Romans 14:4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Leviticus 19:28 states, "You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD." However, this was part of the Mosaic Law and is not directly applicable to Christians today. For more of a background on the subject, please read our article on "Is getting a tattoo a sin?".
• We should address our motives behind getting a tattoo. In Psalm 139:23-24, King David says,“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” If we are not sure we have godly motives, we can follow David’s example and ask God to search our hearts and reset us on a godly path.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• First Corinthians 10:23-24 notes, "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." Christians who are deciding on getting a tattoo should ask themselves doing so will benefit their spiritual lives or not.
• Since we should exercise good stewardship in all areas of our life, we need to ask if a tattoo is a good investment given our current financial situation (Matthew 25:14-30).
• Romans 14:4 teaches, "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." We usually do not know the story behind why a person has a tattoo. Instead of passing judgment, we should extend love toward them and let God address the issue of if the person's tattoos are sinful.
• If we are unsure whether it is a wise decision for us to get a tattoo, we can ask God for wisdom during our decision-making process (James 1:5).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Through prayer, reflecting on Scripture, and wise counsel from others, we can determine if getting a tattoo is a wise decision or not. While a Christian-themed tattoo is not inherently sinful, tattoos impact the body for life, so the decision should be carefully considered. By taking time to ponder over the reasons behind wanting a tattoo, we can make a wise choice. We shouldn’t get tattoos to look cool or attract attention to ourselves. We shouldn’t get tattoos that do not reflect Christ well. We should not get tattoos that we will regret. We shouldn’t get tattoos to spite others who don’t like them. We should also never get “addicted” to getting tattoos but rather focus our desires on God and glorifying Him with our bodies, finances, desires, and everything. We should assess if a Christian tattoo could help or harm our witness for Christ and should seek to glorify God with everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Wherever our convictions lie on the topic of Christian tattoos, we must receive each other in love rather than judgment.

UNDERSTAND

• Tattoos are not inherently sinful.
• The content of tattoos and the motivation behind getting a tattoo can make it sinful.
• We should not pass judgment on those who have tattoos or those who have convictions against tattoos but seek to build one another up in love.

REFLECT

• If you are considering getting a tattoo, what motivates you to get one, and how can you ensure those reasons are pleasing to God?
• Have you ever felt judgment from others regarding tattoos, and how did that impact your views on the subject?
• How can you use your body, including any tattoos you have or may consider, to glorify God and reflect your faith?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage open and loving discussions within the church community about tattoos and personal convictions surrounding them especially with those who have different convictions?
• What biblical principles can we apply when advising friends or family members who are contemplating getting tattoos?
• How can we discern the difference between a tattoo that builds up our faith and witness and one that might detract from it?