Tattoos are everywhere today. People get them for all kinds of reasons. Some want to remember someone they love. Others want to mark a moment in their life. Some get Bible verses or crosses to show their faith. And some people just think they look cool.

You can scroll through social media and see Christian creators like Bryce Crawford and others who talk about God every day, and yes, they have tattoos. It makes many people wonder, “Wait, aren’t tattoos a sin?”

The Bible does mention tattoos once, in Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.”

At first, that might sound like a clear answer. But before we decide what it means, it’s important to understand context.

When we read Scripture, we can’t just pull one verse out and build a rule around it. We have to ask, Who was God speaking to? Why did He say this? What was happening at that time?

When God gave this command, He was speaking to the Israelites long ago. The people around them worshiped false gods and would mark or cut their bodies as part of those rituals. God told His people not to follow those customs because He wanted them to live differently.

So this verse wasn’t about body art like we see today. It was about worship and identity. God didn’t want His people to look like the nations around them or take part in their idol worship.

When Jesus came, He fulfilled the old ceremonial laws and gave us a new way to live through faith. Romans 10:4 says, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

That means we don’t follow the cultural laws of ancient Israel, but we still honor the heart behind God’s commands — to live holy and set apart for Him.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

God isn’t focused on what’s on the outside. He cares about what’s inside.

So the real question isn’t “Is it a sin to get a tattoo?” but “Why am I getting it?”

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

That means whatever we do — including tattoos — should bring glory to God.

A tattoo doesn’t make you more or less loved by Him. What matters is your heart and your reason.

Because in the end, it’s not about what’s on your skin.

It’s about who lives in your heart

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Lord, You are holy and good. You look beyond the surface and see my heart.

Confession: Forgive me when I focus too much on appearances instead of honoring You in everything I do.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for Your grace and for teaching me to understand Your Word with context.

Supplication: Help me make choices that bring glory to You and reflect Your love to others.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen (Feat. Brandon Lake)

Click play to Support Daily Devotion ⬇️

Thanks for letting us be part of how you start your day with God.

Before you head out, would you take 10 seconds to check out today’s sponsor?

See you tomorrow,

Zach and the Daily Devotion team