Is Smoking Weed A Sin?
In this post, we will be answering the question: is smoking weed a sin? We will be looking at what the Bible has to say about smoking weed, and also considering other important factors in making this decision.
Some people may be asking this common question "Where does the Bible say that though shall not smoke?"
What the bible says about smoking
Even though the Bible does not explicitly state whether smoking weed is a sin or not, however it does talk about being controlled by drugs and alcohol, which smoking weed can certainly do.
Note that smoking weed, cigarette leads to addiction and this becomes a gateway to drug addiction.
In Galatians 5:19-21 it says, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
As you can see, smoking weed is not specifically mentioned, but being controlled by drugs and alcohol is. Also notice the phrase "and the like" at the end of this passage. This indicates that there are other things not specifically mentioned that could also be included in this list.
And The Like Meaning
The phrase "and the like" is used to refer to other things that are similar to the ones that have been mentioned. It is often used in lists of examples, as in the passage from Galatians above.
For instance, if someone said "I don't like smoking, drinking, or doing drugs," they could add "and the like" to include other activities that are also harmful, such as gambling or overeating.
Therefore, it would be wise to avoid smoking weed, as it can certainly lead to addiction and a loss of self-control.
Effects of Smoking Weed
Smoking weed can have a number of negative effects on your health, both physically and mentally.
- Physically, smoking weed can damage your lung tissue and make it difficult to breathe.
- It can also increase your heart rate and put you at risk for heart disease.
- Mentally, smoking weed can cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- It can also make it difficult to concentrate or remember things.
- Smoking weed can also interfere with your daily life and responsibilities, such as work or school.
- It can also impact your relationships with family and friends.
Is Smoking Weed A Sin In The Bible?
The answer to this question is easy to find when we consider what the Bible has to say about smoking weed and addiction.
The bible is very clear when it comes to smoking, in that it is something that should not be done. So Yes, smoking weed or e-cigarette is a sin because anything that intoxicate or takes away your self-control is a sin.
Proverbs 25:28 - "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
Is Smoking Marijuana A Sin?
There are 2 parts to this, Yes, its a sin if you smoke marijuana because God did not create this herb for smoking. We have already established that smoking is harmful to your body.
However, taking marijuana as a prescribed medication is not a sin because you are using it for medicinal purposes, not to get high and get out of control.
If you think this is incorrect, please let me know in the comment section below
Bible Verses About Smoking
Let's take a look at some scriptures that will help us understand better why smoking is a sin and what God intended us to use the herbs He created for:
Honor God with your body
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and you are to take care of it. This includes abstaining from smoking generally, as it can damage your body which belongs to God.
Abstain From Sinful Practise
"abstain from every appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
Smoking weed can certainly be considered an appearance of evil, as it may lead to addiction and other sinful behaviours.
Avoid Addiction
"Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals." - 1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB
A lot of people become addicted to smoking because they spend time with others who smoke.
It is important to avoid smoking and those who do it, in order to maintain a clear conscience before God.
Herbs Are For Healing
"And God said, See, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." - Genesis 1:29 KJV
Herbs are meant for our healing, not for smoking. Smoking herbs certainly alters what God intended herbs to be used for when He created it.
Live A Godly Life
"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness." - 1 Timothy 6:11 ESV
Pursuing a life that is pleasing to God should be our number one priority. This means abstaining from smoking weed, as it does not glorify God.
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
"It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble." - Romans 14:21 ESV
Smoking weed could cause another person to stumble, as they may see it as something acceptable since you are doing it. It is important to be mindful of how your actions can impact others around you.
Scriptures To Encourage You When Trying To Quit Smoking
1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV - "I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
Philippians 4:13 NIV - "I can do all things through him who gives me strength."
1 John 5:4 ESV - "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Hebrews 12:1 NLT - "And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."
Galatians 5:16-17 ESV - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV - "“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything."
2 Timothy 2:22 ESV - "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV - "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Conclusion
We have seen from scriptures above that our body is not our own, but rather we have been bought with a price and are to glorify God with our bodies. With that said, smoking weed does not seem like it would be a wise decision if our goal is to live in a way that pleases and honors God.
So is smoking weed a sin? While the bible doesn’t explicitly say so, it does give us some principles that we can apply to make a wise decision on whether or not smoking weed is something that we should engage ourselves in.
Think of someone who is intoxicated with alcohol. Would you consider them to be in their right mind? More than likely not. The same can be said of someone who is smoking weed.
The bible tells us to abstain from every appearance of evil, and smoking weed certainly gives off the appearance of evil. We are called to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, and smoking weed doesn’t seem to fit that bill.
What's your opinion on this matter? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smoking weed a sin if it's for medical purposes?
The Bible makes it very clear that herbs are for food, hence smoking it is wrong and sinful since it goes against God's intended purpose for herbs usage. (see Genesis 1:29-30)
I’m a Christian and I want to quit smoking. What should I do?
1) Make a conscious decision today that you will quit smoking
2) Repent now and ask God for forgiveness
3) Focus your mind in studying Gods word so the devil won't have control of your mind
4) Distance yourself from bad company
5) Resist every temptation to smoking
Remember that God will only step when He sees that you have truly repented and no longer engaged in your old habit.
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