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Response
Dreams are captivating journeys of the mind that occur during sleep. In the Bible, dreams held significant importance and were at times utilized by God to disclose truths to individuals (Genesis 40:8;Daniel 7:1;Matthew 2:19). The Bible often equates dreams and visions, and individuals were frequently uncertain whether they were experiencing reality or a dream, as seen in Acts 12:9. However, most dreams are not divinely inspired and can involve various sins and horrors. Is it inappropriate to dream about sinning? Is it sinful to dream about sexual matters?
Sleep experts can provide physiological insights into our brain activity during dreams, yet there is no definitive consensus on the reasons behind our dream content or the specific triggers for certain themes. Dreams serve as the brain’s method of processing information and occurrences, albeit often in a haphazard and nonsensical manner. Like balls in a bingo cage, various elements such as scenes, individuals, colors, and emotions collide to create intricate narratives that lack coherence upon waking. Some of these narratives may involve sexual activities that the dreamer would not engage in while awake. Such dreams can evoke feelings of guilt and shame, despite no actual actions being taken.
While it is accurate that we tend to dream more about subjects that preoccupy our waking thoughts, this is not an absolute rule. Anyone who has dreamt of engaging in morally repugnant actions can attest to this. For instance, an individual dreaming of watching their third-grade teacher playing tennis with a raccoon does not necessitate psychiatric intervention—it was simply a peculiar dream. Similarly, a man striving for moral purity but dreaming of intimate encounters with multiple women, none of whom are his wife, does not require repentance. Likewise, a woman experiencing sexual dreams does not need to seek repentance for the dream’s content. It was merely a peculiar dream.
However, if those sexual dreams were products of lustful daytime thoughts, then repentance may be in order. If sexual dreams become enjoyable and sought after, then it is time to revisit Jesus’ words on lust “but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28). Upon awakening, if we feel remorseful about what we were dreaming, it is always appropriate to ask God’s forgiveness and request that God would purify our thoughts. Praying Psalm 19:14 upon arising can dispel feelings of guilt and also readjust our thinking so that we don’t continue to dwell on sexually sinful thoughts and images.
Dreams can also reflect unmet needs and longings, or even past experiences, so, if a pattern emerges, it can be a sign that there is an area we need to address with the Lord. If the dreams persist, it might be helpful to talk with a Christian counselor as well. We aren’t concealing anything from God; He knows about the dreams (Psalm 139:2;1 Chronicles 29:17). So being truthful about our needs and desires and asking Him to meet them in righteous ways can transform even sexual dreams into paths of spiritual growth and surrender.
