So, I know there are preachers making it a point of duty to preach that braiding or twisting hair is a sin because of 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9.
And that is most likely why you are here, trying to really know if this really the truth. “Is braiding your hair a sin?”
I will be discussing this in detail in this blog post.
Follow me through with it. Let us get into this right away.
Is Braiding Your Hair a Sin?
Braiding your hair is not a sin.
The Bible was simply misunderstood by many, and doctrines were laid on this misunderstanding.
I will be clarifying what the two scriptures really mean indeed.
Is Twisting Your Hair a Sin?
Twisting your hair, as a Christian, is not a sin. This is similar to braid
Yes, we are to be modest as Christians. But twisting your hair is not an immodest thing to do.
What Does the Bible Say About Braiding or Twisting Your Hair?
Here are the two scriptures that talk about braiding or twisting of hair:
1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.”
I intentionally used a version that is much simpler to understand than the King James Version Bible.
Then, let us go understand what the scripture really means.
What the Bible Really Meant Regarding Braided Hair?
1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9 have been misunderstood for a long while.
First, you need to understand that Apostle Paul and Apostle Peter were not trying to give a commandment or a rule to the body of Christ.
The Bible verses were for the purpose of admonishing the church.
If you check 1 Timothy 2:8, it says, “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with hold hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.”
So, you see that Apostle Paul in this epistle was just giving some sort of admonishment on how worship should be done.
1 Timothy 2:8 spoke about the men before he went on to speak to the women in 1 Timothy 2:9.
If you read the exact version of the Bible verse I put up there, you will easily figure out that Apostle Paul was trying to admonish and instruct the women too.
Now, He did not say for them to stop looking good or stop braiding hair.
He told them to focus on the most important thing. They should put priority on things that need to be prioritized.
It was obvious that the ladies were probably trying to draw attention to themselves with their dress and attire.
This is the same with 1 Peter 3:3-4.
He was simply saying that you are focusing on the minor.
They should ensure that their value comes from the inside, not material things that hold no substance.
The Essence of What the Scripture Said About Braiding or Twisting Hair
It is really important that we have a good grasp of what the scripture really means in 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9
1. Focus on the priority
It is really easy for ladies to focus on buying every other expensive designer clothes, and being all about the dolled-up life.
Men also have things that can take up their focus from the most important things
In as much as it is a great thing to look great, you must understand that that is not your priority.
Your priority should lie in showing forth good works and letting another whole level of beauty that is sponsored by the Holy Spirit radiate from your inside.
2. Do not draw attention to yourself
Humans love attention, and this is not really a “woman” or “man.”
Humans generally love and crave the attention and validation of people around them.
You must learn to control this very well, as drawing attention to yourself is not what should matter.
You want people to look at you, and give glory to God.
You don’t just want them to appreciate your Gucci bag or your designer top.
You want to be able to express good works, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Now, am I saying buying good things is such a bad thing? NO!
This drives me back to the first, point. PRIORITY!
Even though it is not a bad thing, it is not your priority as a Christian.
What The Scripture Didn’t Say About Braiding Hair
There are a lot of misconceptions about 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9. So, I am using this medium to clear it all up.
1. The Bible did not say braiding is a sin
The scriptures we considered, did not command the stop the braiding of hair.
It is important that you understand, and know that the scripture was not insinuating that braiding or twisting hair is a sin.
2. The Bible did not insinuate that braiding is not ungodly
Even if something is not necessarily a sin, there are some things that we abandon for the sake of Christ.
Now, you must know that these Bible passages were not insinuating or pointing out that braiding is a thing that should be left for unbelievers.
As I said earlier, the message is simply trying to let the women in the church know that their focus should not be those things.
And if this means that you want to stop using them, be free to stop.
If this means that you want to use them, be free but be moderate.
What You Should Consider When Braiding or Twisting Your Hair
Even if this is lawful for us, there should be moderation in everything we do. And it must spur from our hearts.
So, the admonishment in 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9 really speak more to the heart.
If you do really love God, material things will not take the focus that should be placed on the things of God.
1. Modesty
Your body is the temple of the Lord, and you must treat the body like you know that it is of the Lord.
If that is really how you see it, it will be evident how you dress your body.
Modesty is one of the key values in the Christian family.
2. Moderation
The Bible says, “Let your moderation be known to all men…”
It is alright if you want to have braids, but make sure you do it in moderation.
Remember that it is not the focus.
3. Elegance
As much as modesty and moderation are very important, it is very important you look good.
So, if you can afford good clothes, buy good clothes. Wear them, and look good. You should smell nice, too.
Before You Go
I hope you find the answer to your question, “Is braiding or twisting your hair a sin?”
Stay blessed and keep loving God. You can send in your comments.
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