Obsession is a theme that the Bible often addresses, providing insight and guidance on how to handle it. The Bible speaks of obsession in its various forms, urging the need for control over one’s thoughts, actions, and desires. It warns against allowing obsession to take root, emphasizing the potential dangers and negative impacts that could stem from it. The Bible categorically advises adherents to resist the urge to obsess over worldly possessions, people, or situations, stressing on the importance of focus on God.
What the Bible Says About Obsession
The Bible tackles the topic of obsession in a comprehensive manner, depicting the emotional and spiritual perils that come with it. It suggests that an obsession becomes a form of idolatry when it usurps the place of God in one’s life. Be it money, fame, power, or even love, when these become the center of one’s existence, they become unhealthy obsessions. Overarching themes from the Bible suggest that everything in life, including the human heart and mind, should be kept in moderation.
Why Obsession is Discouraged in the Bible
Obsession is discouraged in the Bible as it misdirects human cognitive and emotional energy away from one’s spiritual path. When the obsession towards worldly objects becomes unmanageable, it has the potential to lead to spiritual, emotional and, sometimes, physical bankruptcy. The Bible warns against allowing any desire, object, or person to become a focal point over and above God. It emphasizes the baseline belief that God should remain at the center of one’s life, with all other things taking a secondary place.
Who the Bible Guides About Obsession
The Bible’s message reaches everyone, regardless of the specific nature of their obsessions. Its wise counsel on the matter is intended for all followers. It instructs individuals who find themselves caught in the throes of obsession, highlighting the dangers such an infatuation carries. It beckons those lost in obsessions, beckoning them to find solace and redirection back to God’s path. Its lessons on obsession apply to those who are caught in a web of material desires, as well as those whose obsessions stem from emotional circumstances.
When Obsession is Mentioned in the Bible
Obsession is mentioned in the Bible in various contexts, each time reiterating its inherent risks. A noteworthy instance is when it talks about the obsession with wealth and the dangers it breeds, often leading to moral degradation. It also tackles the issue of man’s obsession with vanity and the ephemeral, highlighting the futility of such pursuits. Words and experiences of various biblical figures express their struggles with obsession and how they sought spiritual intervention to conquer their obsessions.
Where the Bible Directs Against Obsession
The Bible guides its adherents away from the pitfalls of obsession. It directs its followers towards God, advocating a life that revolves around Him, rather than worldly possessions or desires. The Bible underscores the need to painstakingly protect one’s heart and mind against the snares of obsession. The obsessions can be subtle, taking root slowly and silently. Hence, the Bible advises everyone to stay vigilant, guard their hearts, and keep their minds focused on God and His teachings, steering clear from the pitfalls of obsessions.
Below is the full list of bible verses on obsession (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Obsession
1 John 2:15-17
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Related Themes: Lust Pride Money Social Justice
Mark 7:20-23
“20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
Mark 12:29-31
“29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Related Themes: Love Omnipresence Omnipotence Greatness
Romans 5:3-4
“3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”
Related Themes: Suffering Perseverance Patience Hope
Matthew 6:24
“24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
“4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Related Themes: Arguing Strongholds Lust Depression
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
John 8:32
“32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Freedom Truth Honesty Letting Go
John 15:5
“5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Related Themes: Frustration Quitting Identity Fortune Letting Go
Romans 5:1
“1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Related Themes: Attitude Peace Hope Frustration Hope
Titus 1:9
“9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
James 1:14-15
“14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Related Themes: Lust Coveting Indulgence
Colossians 3:5
“5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
1 John 2:15-16
“15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Related Themes: Lust Pride Money Social Justice
