Is smoking sin?

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Is smoking sin?

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The Bible does not speak specifically of smoking, which is a relatively modern practice. However, it does cover the subject in principle. One of the main scriptures that addresses the heart of the matter is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (New Revised Standard Version).

God created us, and Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin through the sacrifice of His life. For both reasons, we belong to God, and we must not abuse God's property—our bodies. Today there is an abundance of scientific confirmation of the fact that smoking seriously damages one's health.

If one smokes only occasionally, the amount of nicotine and tar may be relatively small, but why should we deliberately put any of these toxic chemicals into our bodies? Every time a smoker inhales, some internal damage is occurring. Even if you don't inhale, the body absorbs toxic chemicals through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

An additional scriptural principle involved with the smoking question is "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39; Leviticus 19:18). Science clearly documents the damaging effect of secondhand smoke, as well as the monumental cost of smoking-related health problems. So, out of loving concern for others, a Christian should choose not to smoke. These principles show us that it is indeed a sin to smoke.

For many, it is not simply a matter of deciding to quit, but rather a difficult struggle with a physical addiction. This is yet another reason why smoking is a sin. It results in addiction, resulting in the smoker becoming a slave to an unhealthy habit. Notice what Paul says about this in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "You may say, 'I am allowed to do anything.' But I reply, 'Not everything is good for you.' And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything" (New Living Translation).

Making a personal commitment is necessary to break the habit of smoking, as is praying regularly for God's help. It may also be necessary to seek advice and/or treatment from those trained in dealing with nicotine addiction.

For more insight, please read our booklet Making Life Work.

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Comments

  • Gene and Lucretia

    I was raised in a home where second hand smoke was in the home continually for the first 14 yrs of my life. My dad later died at 49 of cancer and I was diagnosis with asthma and copd maybe 20 yrs ago and I do not smoke. I really feel it was due to the second hand smoke. My sister started smoking at a young age and her lungs finally gave out recently and she died. I firmly believe it does harm. Our bodies are God's temples and we are to take care of our bodies the best way we can, when we fail, He is there to give us the strength to overcome the problem. I don't smoke but I am guilty of other sins that is harmful to my body and I have been trying to work on them with God's help. There are so many ways other than smoking that is harmful to our bodies, over eating, over indulgence with drinking, letting stress pull us down, not getting proper rest, no excercise are a few of them. Our body being God Temple we need His help to overcome anything that is harmful and He will help us.
    Lucretia Strange

  • Lena VanAusdle
    @Kathleen14, addiction can be so difficult. I will certainly pray that God lifts this affliction from you and you can stop smoking. I'd like to suggest you visit http://breakingfree.ucg.org/category/topics/addictions. There are a number of articles that may be of use to you in overcoming.
  • kathleen14
    I'm a Christian and recently I've been drawing closer to God more than ever before. I am a smoker and it's eating me up inside just knowing it's a sin. I tried to quit last week and I failed. I really want to quit and I'm struggling so bad. However, I'm determined God will give me the strength to be able to give it up once and for all. I know for a fact it's a sin because there is no other explanation as to why I'm feeling so guilty about smoking. Besides, it's an addiction and that alone speaks for itself. I just don't understand how I can be so selfish and continue smoking if I really love God with all my heart. Please pray for me that God will deliver me from this horrible bondage.
  • totemynote

    I too am trying to quit. What about Vaping? I want to be a part of the coming Kingdom but right now, today, I am choosing to smoke. If I may ask of you, Kathleen, did you quit?

  • Lena VanAusdle

    Michael,
    quitting smoking is very difficult, some people can quit "cold turkey" and never pick up another cigarette in their life; for others it takes more time. The key is to not give up! If you do backslide, don't become discouraged. I don't know much about vaping, but if it is a path to you quitting tobacco completely, then that must be a good thing. I'll say a prayer for your success!

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Michael,
    On a personal note: My dad quit smoking; my mom never quit and died of lung cancer.
    My dad died of something else. We will all die; that is the way things go, but how do you want to LIVE? Th addiction to nicotine is one of the strongest addictions in Satan's world.
    But God reigns supreme and can defeat Satan! You need to get help (advice on options) from someone you trust as well as trusting God implicitly and explicitly. It will be very difficult but it can be done.

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