Before we get too excited about good reasons to get a tattoo, let’s not ignore the fact there are plenty of bad reasons. I’m not talking so much about the related health risks and pricey fees, which alone should make someone think before they ink, rather a person’s motive behind getting a tattoo. There is Leviticus 19:28, where it says to not ‘mark your skin with tattoos’. But a contextual reading reveals that God didn’t want His people practicing the same things as the pagan nations, which included getting tattoos. But God also didn’t want them piercing their bodies and, in verse 27, trimming their beards. Where does that leave us today? Is it possible to honor God and get a tattoo?
Below are 4 Religious Reasons Why we Need a Tattoo
A Tattoo Helps Us To Hold Ourselves Accountable
There’s no rule that says in order for a Christian to get a tattoo, it must ne faith-based. But when it does represent the love of God, whether with scripture or an image, it can be effective at holding the tattooed person accountable. At least that’s the idea.
A Tattoo Can Serve as a Memorial
Much like grief, tattoos are highly personal. But unlike grief, tattoos are oftentimes out in the open for all to see. Memorial tattoos can help people confront their grief when the significance of their loss is displayed . Also tattoos in remembrance of service to one’s country can create a healthy sister and brotherhood among fellow veterans. And when people get tattoos that carry such depth of emotion, they often act as a balm to the soul; they become great conversation-starters, in turn helping people process their grief.
A Tattoo Helps In Sharing Your Faith
The longer I’ve been a Christian, the more I’ve seen God’s word go out in ways beyond my understanding. When my kids were little, they’d ask the craziest questions: ‘can a person come to Jesus after reading John 3:16 on some dude’s muscly arm?’ Why, definitely!
A Tattoo Makes Something Beautiful
Many people get beautiful tattoos to cover their ‘imperfections’, such as scars and burns. They can act as a confidence-booster, especially at the beach when sporting a bathing suit. But one thing to consider: large scars and burns require even larger tattoos, taking up a sizable portion of skin real estate-so it’s definitely worth thinking through.
And Although most people are comfortable with their birthmarks and freckles, folks with ink-linations often get creative with their body’s more natural markings, turning them into works of art-enhancing what God has already given them.
