Can Christians Gamble?

Gambling is an activity that bet on chances to win a prize. Gambling is a sin against God according to the Bible. Examples of gambling activities are gambling at casino, betting on horse race, and buying lottery. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says that those who do not work shall not eat. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul says that those who steal must no longer do so and start doing some useful works so that we have something to share with others. Some people considered gambling a career. Gambling is not a useful job that can produce benefits for others. Gambling has caused a lot of problems for people including suicide, bankruptcy, relationship problems, and etc.

Gambling is against the law of trading in the Bible (Genesis 23. Matthew 13:45 - 46). It is also against the law of giving (Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 9:13). Many people gamble out of greed. The Bible tells us not to love money. We can either serve God or Mammon (the money god). Covetousness is a sin according to the Bible (Exodus 20:17). There are several churches purchase lotteries to raise funds for charity purposes. Gambling is forbidden no matter if it is done for selfish purpose or charity. The greed for money can cause a lot of problems to happen. Some people have walked away from their faith for the greed of money (1 Timothy 6:9 - 10). Gambling can cause a person to develop addiction problem. The person can get so involved in gambling until he is unable to carry out his daily routine such as work, eat, bathe, and etc.

Everything in this world belongs to God (Psalms 24:1). We are just the temporary stewards of the material possessions while we are on the earth. We should use the material wealth for the glory of God instead of squandering it on gambling (1 Peter 4:10). If you have gambling addiction problem, you should ask God to help you overcome it. Jesus can help you to overcome your gambling addiction problem if you sincerely pray and believe in him. All things are possible in God (Mark 10:27). After accepting Jesus Christ, you must stop doing your bad habits and start living for him. With God's help, you can overcome all your problems. You should confess your sins to God and ask him to use the blood of Jesus to wash away your sins if you gamble.

God is Holy and without blemish. Therefore, we must live a sinless life for him (1 Peter 1:16). We must use all parts of our body for the glory of God (Romans 6:13).

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