Asexuality, or the lack of sexual attraction, is not directly addressed in the Bible, but Scripture does speak on relationships, celibacy, and identity. For believers, understanding how their personal experiences align with biblical principles can be key. What might the Bible suggest about this modern topic?
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What Does The Bible Say About Asexuality
Genesis 2:18
“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
This verse highlights the importance of companionship and partnership in human relationships, as God created the first woman as a suitable companion for the man. It serves as a reminder that we are created to be in relationships and to find fulfillment in connecting with others.
It also emphasizes that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can experience the desire for companionship and support in their lives.
1 Corinthians 7:7-9
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul acknowledges the different gifts and callings that individuals have from God, including the gift of being single. He encourages those who are unmarried to embrace their singleness and channel their passion in service to God.
However, Paul also recognizes that not everyone can remain celibate and advises them to enter into marriage rather than succumbing to sexual temptation. This verse shows that both singleness and marriage are valid paths, and individuals should discern what is best for them in their pursuit of a godly life.
Matthew 19:12
“For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others – and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Jesus acknowledges and affirms those who choose to live a life without marriage or sexual relationships for the sake of dedicating themselves wholly to God’s kingdom. He recognizes that not everyone is called to traditional marital relationships and that voluntary asexuality can be a valid expression of devotion to God.
This verse encourages individuals who identify as asexual or choose not to pursue sexual relationships to find solace and affirmation in their commitment to live for God’s purposes.
Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s law. Regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status, every individual is called to love one another as a debt that never ends.
For those who identify as asexual, this verse reminds them that their worth and purpose do not come from romantic or sexual relationships, but from their ability to love and care for others in their unique way.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Paul urges believers to steer clear of sexual immorality, emphasizing its severity compared to other sins. This verse serves as a reminder to honor our bodies, given to us by God, and to pursue sexual purity.
For asexual individuals, this verse can be reassuring, as it affirms their choice to abstain from sexual activities, asserting that sexual abstinence is a valid and honorable path.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
Paul encourages believers to pursue sanctification, which includes avoiding sexual immorality and exercising self-control over their bodies. This verse highlights the importance of living a life that is holy and honorable in God’s sight.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse affirms their decision to live in a way that aligns with their beliefs and honors God’s desire for holiness.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not limited to any particular sexual orientation or relationship status but are to be cultivated by all believers.
For asexual individuals, this verse serves as a reminder that they can display and cultivate these qualities without needing to engage in romantic or sexual relationships.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
Paul uses the analogy of the human body to explain the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Believers, regardless of their sexual orientation or relationship status, are part of the same body and have different roles to play.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse reinforces their place within the body of Christ and affirms that their unique experiences and perspectives contribute to the overall diversity and beauty of the Church.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Paul encourages believers to clothe themselves with love, which serves as a unifying force for all virtues. Love, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status, is the foundation that binds the Christian community together.
For asexual individuals, this verse affirms their equal capacity to love and reminds them of the significant role they play in fostering unity within the body of Christ.
1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
John emphasizes the connection between love and knowing God, asserting that everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Love is a fundamental characteristic of God’s nature and a mark of true discipleship.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse reminds them that their capacity to love is a reflection of their connection with God, regardless of their romantic or sexual orientation.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus speaks of the ultimate expression of love, laying down one’s life for one’s friends. Love is sacrificial and selfless, and this verse serves as a reminder of the profound depths of love that can be displayed, irrespective of sexual orientation or relationship status.
For asexual individuals, this verse encourages them to cultivate a sacrificial love that seeks the well-being and flourishing of others, even if it does not manifest in traditional romantic or sexual ways.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, he emphasized the importance of loving God with all one’s being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. These two commandments encapsulate the essence of the Christian faith.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse reminds them that their value and purpose lie in their ability to love God wholeheartedly and extend that love to others, regardless of their romantic or sexual orientation.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Paul describes the nature and character of love in this famous passage from Corinthians. Love, in its truest form, is patient, kind, selfless, forgiving, and enduring.
For asexual individuals, this verse highlights the importance of embodying these qualities in their relationships with others, emphasizing that love is not solely dependent on physical or sexual attraction.
1 Peter 1:22
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
Peter exhorts believers to love one another genuinely and earnestly, from the depths of their hearts. This verse emphasizes the sincerity and depth of love that should characterize relationships among believers.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse encourages them to cultivate deep and authentic love for others, rooted in their commitment to Christ and the truth of the gospel.
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Paul urges believers to imitate God and to walk in love, emulating the sacrificial love of Christ in their own lives. Love is to be the defining characteristic of a believer’s conduct and interactions with others.
For asexual individuals, this verse reminds them to pattern their lives after God’s example of love, mirroring Christ’s selfless sacrifice and devotion to others.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus pronounces a blessing on the peacemakers, those who actively seek to bring harmony and reconciliation. Being a peacemaker is a reflection of God’s character and identifies believers as children of God.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse encourages them to promote peace, understanding, and acceptance within the Church and society, fostering an environment where all can feel valued and included.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of true friendship and the bond between brothers and sisters. Genuine love and loyalty are manifested during both joyful and challenging times.
For asexual individuals, this verse affirms the value of non-romantic and non-sexual relationships, highlighting the depth of love and support that can be found in friendships and within the Christian community.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Paul exhorts believers to bear one another’s burdens, mirroring the example set by Christ. By supporting and helping one another, believers demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the law of love.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse emphasizes the importance of offering love, care, and understanding to others, working together as a community to lighten each other’s loads.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. His sacrificial love becomes the standard by which believers are to love and treat one another.
For asexual individuals, this verse underscores the call to love others unconditionally, just as Jesus has loved them, displaying a selfless and inclusive love that transcends romantic or sexual boundaries.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Paul affirms that love is the fulfillment of the law, as it encompasses all moral responsibilities towards others. Love seeks the well-being and flourishing of our neighbors and avoids doing harm to them.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse serves as a reminder to show love, respect, and acceptance to all people, including those who may have different sexual orientations or relationship preferences.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter encourages believers to love one another deeply, emphasizing that love can cover a multitude of sins. Love has the power to forgive, heal, and restore broken relationships.
For asexual individuals, this verse underscores the importance of cultivating love and extending grace and forgiveness towards others, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and unity in the body of Christ.
Galatians 5:13-14
“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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”‘
Paul reminds believers that their freedom in Christ is not to be used for self-indulgence but as an opportunity to serve others in love. Love fulfills the law and demonstrates true discipleship.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse encourages them to embrace their freedom in Christ, loving others selflessly and using their unique gifts to serve the body of Christ.
1 John 4:19-21
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
John emphasizes the inseparable connection between loving God and loving others. Love is not only a response to God’s love but a visible demonstration of our love for Him.
For asexual individuals, this verse underscores the importance of loving their brothers and sisters in Christ, treating everyone with kindness, respect, and acceptance as an expression of their love for God.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs highlights the value of meaningful relationships and the positive influence that friends can have on one another. Through honest and supportive connections, individuals can grow and be sharpened.
For individuals who identify as asexual, this verse emphasizes the importance of building deep and meaningful friendships within the Christian community, where they can encourage, support, and learn from one another.