The term “sexually broken” refers to the experience of individuals whose sexual lives or identities have been impacted by sin, trauma, or unhealthy behaviors, resulting in a sense of brokenness or disconnection from God’s design for sexuality. From a biblical perspective, sexual brokenness can manifest in various forms, including promiscuity, addiction, infidelity, abuse, or confusion about sexual identity. The Bible addresses these issues by offering both a clear understanding of God’s design for sexuality and the hope of healing and restoration through Jesus Christ.
God’s Design for Sexuality
Created for Intimacy
The Bible begins with the creation of human beings as male and female, designed to reflect God’s image and intended to live in intimate relationship with one another and with God.
Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV):
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'”
God’s design for sexuality is rooted in the complementary nature of male and female, and in the context of marriage, where sexual intimacy is celebrated as a good gift from God.
Genesis 2:24-25 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
This passage highlights the purity and beauty of sexual intimacy within marriage, where there is no shame or brokenness, but rather unity and mutual delight.
The Impact of Sin on Sexuality
However, the entrance of sin into the world through the Fall brought brokenness into every aspect of human life, including sexuality. What was intended to be a good and sacred part of human relationships became marred by sin, leading to various forms of sexual brokenness.
Genesis 3:7 (NIV):
“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”
The immediate sense of shame and the need to cover themselves reflect the impact of sin on their relationship, including their sexual relationship. Sin introduced shame, guilt, and the potential for sexual harm and exploitation.
Forms of Sexual Brokenness
Promiscuity and Sexual Addiction
One form of sexual brokenness is promiscuity or sexual addiction, where individuals seek fulfillment through multiple sexual partners or through compulsive sexual behavior. The Bible warns against sexual immorality and urges believers to honor God with their bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NIV):
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sexual sin and the importance of treating one’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Infidelity and Betrayal
Infidelity, or sexual unfaithfulness in marriage, is another form of sexual brokenness that causes deep pain and betrayal. The Bible holds marriage in high regard and condemns adultery as a violation of the marriage covenant.
Exodus 20:14 (NIV):
“You shall not commit adultery.”
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV):
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus’ teaching extends the understanding of sexual faithfulness to include even the thoughts and intentions of the heart, highlighting the importance of purity and integrity in relationships.
Sexual Abuse and Trauma
Sexual abuse and trauma are forms of sexual brokenness that involve the exploitation or harm of individuals, often leaving deep emotional and psychological scars. The Bible condemns all forms of sexual exploitation and upholds the dignity and value of every person.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV):
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This verse offers comfort to those who have experienced sexual abuse, reminding them that God is near to the brokenhearted and offers healing and restoration.
Confusion About Sexual Identity
In today’s culture, confusion about sexual identity and orientation is another area of sexual brokenness. The Bible teaches that God created human beings as male and female, and that our identity is rooted in being created in God’s image.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV):
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of brokenness and confusion in the world, it also points to the truth of God’s design and the hope of finding one’s true identity in Christ.
Hope and Healing in Christ
The Gospel as the Path to Restoration
The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ came to bring healing and restoration to all areas of brokenness, including sexual brokenness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness, cleansing, and new life to those who turn to Him.
1 John 1:9 (NIV):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This promise of forgiveness and purification is available to all who confess their sins and seek God’s grace, no matter how deep their brokenness.
Walking in Freedom and Holiness
As believers experience healing in Christ, they are called to walk in freedom and holiness, leaving behind the patterns of sexual sin and living according to God’s design.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV):
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (NIV):
“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.”
These verses encourage believers to embrace the freedom that Christ offers and to pursue a life of holiness, reflecting God’s character in their sexual lives.
Support and Community in the Church
The church is called to be a place of support, healing, and accountability for those struggling with sexual brokenness. Through confession, prayer, and discipleship, believers can find the strength and encouragement they need to walk in God’s ways.
James 5:16 (NIV):
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
The church community is meant to be a place where individuals can be honest about their struggles, receive prayer, and find healing through the support of others.
Conclusion
Sexual brokenness is a reality in a fallen world, affecting many individuals in different ways. However, the Bible offers a clear path to healing and restoration through the grace of God in Jesus Christ. By turning to Christ, embracing His forgiveness, and walking in the freedom and holiness that He offers, individuals can experience healing from sexual brokenness and live in accordance with God’s design for sexuality. The church, as a community of believers, plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging those on this journey, offering hope and help to all who seek it.