People ask about tattoos far more than they used to, and they deserve a straight answer rather than a shrug. Scripture speaks to how we treat our bodies, and it gives us reason to pause. We take the position that tattoos are unwise and out of step with how God calls us to steward the body He gave us.
What the Bible says directly
God told His people not to cut or mark their bodies in the manner of the surrounding nations.
"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD."Leviticus 19:28
Your body is not your own
For the believer, the body belongs to God and is meant to be a temple kept for His glory.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ...therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Why we counsel against tattoos
Beyond the direct warning, tattoos are permanent decisions often made for the wrong reasons, and they can shape how we present a body that is meant to glorify God. We encourage believers, especially young people, to keep their testimony and their bodies clear and unmarked.
If you already have tattoos
- You are not condemned. A tattoo does not put you outside God's reach or His grace.
- You are welcome here. Come as you are. We care about your soul, not your skin.
- Walk forward in wisdom. Make future choices that honor God with the body He has given you.
What matters most
The deepest question is not about ink but about your heart before God. If you want to know how to be right with Him and how to live for His glory, that is exactly the conversation we love to have. Reach out to us any time.