MancPaul

Hi,

What is everyone's view on tattoos?

I have got tattoos that I regret.

At first I loved them, but they don't look like I pictured them. I have had both sleeves done from my shoulders to wrists. I thought that I would be able to hide them with long sleeve shirts, but you can still see them through my work shirts, and they don't end exactly at my wrists they are just onto my hands.

I now wish that I hadn't got both arms done, but it's too late now. When I walk down the street you can see people edging away just because they look excessive.

I am a Christian, and tattoos shouldn't make any difference to a person, but I'm starting to feel like a real outcast. Has anyone got any advice?

Many Thanks,

Paul

Jeff

Tattoos, i believe are mostly done for ones own pleasure or to gain acceptance into group of friends. When its done for an evil intention, it is certainly wrong. Tatoos were identified with pagan gods and evil worshippers and that could be a reason why God did not allow his people to wear them. Well that doesnt mean that He allows them now. The word of God doesnt change with time and it is still to be strictly obeyed.
Leviticus 19:28 - "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." (NIV) There are other things that Bible asks us not to do but when we could avoid something easily, we should avoid it.

Since you regret doing it, you might find yourself more involved with God. Pray about it and stop worrying about things that you've done in the past. Make it up to God and if possible consult with a dermatologist or a specialist about its removal.

I searched on the net and found out some removal methods:
1. Laser Removal
2. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
3. Do-It-Yourself Cream Removals

Links on tattoo removal
http://tattoo.about.com/od/tatremoval/a/tatremoval.htm
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/ag...o_removal.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/tattoo_removal/article.htm

__________________
there is nothing too hard for God
Jermiah 32:27

Jeff

Wealth can cause a lot of problems and it can also be used to support God's children and His ministry. In the same, if tatoos can lead people to Christ, then thats wonderful. If they represent worldy or evil desires, then they are bad.

Thanks Angel for that info. And yes, Jesus sees our hearts.
I wouldnt want to wear them because I still dont feel right about them and I wouldnt be doing my ministry on a bike. I dont know what Jesus has in store for me.

__________________
there is nothing too hard for God
Jermiah 32:27

Liberty

I've come to be more accepting of people with tattoos, because I'm trying to love with God's love. On a similar subject:

I saw a bumper sticker that really stuck in my mind. It said:

Body Piercing saved my life!

And there was a picture of a nail on a cross.

How excellent is that!

__________________
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Thank you Jesus!

Skipdawg

I feel and believe it is a personal decision but if already a Christian weight out how it will be perceived by others.

When I was in the US navy I got a little wild for a few years and did get several tattoos. No real regrets but if I knew then what i know now I'd likely have never gotten them.

They can be a big distraction when ministering to others.

violet

Bump

Banarenth

<_< I like my tattoos.

violet

Banarenth

NP

RADICAL FREAK

Who would it be a distraction for....most non-Christians wouldn't have a problem with it......Other Christians might....but I am not here to not offend other Christians I am here to win the lost....

The Bible says alot of things...

Deut 22:11 says Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, [as] of woolen and linen together.........

These commands were given to the Israelites for different reasons.....It was under the old law.....The tattoos were wrong because they were being used to worship false Gods. If my tattoo is being used to Glorify God, then it ok....but if my tattoo is used to glorify a pagan god or the world or the devil then obviously it is wrong.