Embracing Jesus-Centered Sexuality: A Pathway to Wholeness and Freedom

Today I’m excited to share the heart of a powerful conversation I had with Matt Cline, founder of Restored Ministries. Our episode dove deep into the transformative concept of Jesus-centered sexuality—a framework that places Jesus at the very core of our sexual desires, struggles, and healing. If you or someone you love is wrestling with sexual brokenness, shame, or simply seeking a more meaningful approach to sexuality, this post is for you.

Below, I’ll break down the main themes and actionable insights from our discussion, offering practical steps and expert advice to help you move toward wholeness in Christ. Let’s journey together into the nuances of Jesus-centered sexuality.

What Is Jesus-Centered Sexuality?

At its core, Jesus-centered sexuality means inviting Jesus into every aspect of our sexual lives—not just our behaviors, but our desires, wounds, and hopes. It’s about moving beyond self-help strategies and willpower, and instead, allowing our relationship with Christ to transform how we see ourselves, our bodies, and our sexuality.

Key Distinctions:

• Spiritual Lens: Unlike secular or even some church-based approaches, Jesus-centered sexuality recognizes sexuality as deeply spiritual, not just physical or emotional.

• Intimacy with Christ: Healing and freedom come from intimacy with Jesus, not just from eliminating triggers or managing behaviors.

• Purpose in Struggle: Our sexual desires and even our struggles can point us toward a deeper need for connection with God.

1. Overcoming the Challenge of Belief

The Struggle: Many people feel disconnected from Jesus in their sexuality, doubting that He can truly satisfy their deepest desires. Even with regular Bible reading or prayer, some never experience the tangible presence of God.

Actionable Advice:

• Slow Down with Scripture: Instead of rushing through devotionals, take time to meditate on passages. Let the words sink in and ask God to reveal Himself in new ways.

• Authentic Worship: Move beyond routine. Whether through music, journaling, or quiet reflection, create space for genuine encounters with Jesus.

• Ask Boldly: If you’ve never experienced Jesus in your sexuality, tell Him honestly. Ask Him to meet you in your desires and struggles.

Expert Insight: Matt shared that many men he works with have never truly experienced Jesus in their sexuality. The breakthrough often comes when they slow down, get honest, and invite Jesus into the very places they feel most ashamed.

2. Healing the Weight of Wounds

The Struggle: Sexual brokenness is often rooted in deep emotional wounds—abuse, betrayal, or trauma. These wounds can feel overwhelming and make it hard to trust God with our pain.

Actionable Advice:

• Acknowledge Your Pain: Don’t minimize or ignore your wounds. Bring them into the light, whether through prayer, counseling, or trusted community.

• Surrender to Jesus: Healing begins with a commitment to Jesus, even before all the emotional pieces are in place. Let Him be the starting point for your restoration.

• Seek Safe Community: Find support groups or ministries (like Restored Ministries) that understand both the spiritual and emotional aspects of healing.

Expert Insight: Matt’s own story of healing from sexual abuse began not with perfect emotional health, but with a decision to trust Jesus with his pain. Emotional restoration followed as he surrendered his wounds to Christ.

3. Making Jesus the Center—Not Just a Part

The Struggle: It’s easy to make emotional health, recovery, or even ministry the focus, rather than Jesus Himself. But true transformation comes when Jesus is the center, not just a part of the process.

Actionable Advice:

• Daily Surrender: Start each day by affirming Jesus as the center of your life and sexuality. This simple act can reorient your heart and mind.

• Identify False Gods: Ask yourself what you’re turning to for comfort, validation, or escape. Are these things taking the place of Jesus?

• Practice Gratitude: Colossians 3:15-17 encourages us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to be thankful, and to worship together. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what Jesus provides.

Expert Insight: Matt highlighted that even good things—like emotional healing—can become idols if they take precedence over Jesus. The goal is not just to feel better, but to know Christ more deeply.

True transformation comes when Jesus is the center, not just a part of the process.

4. Engaging Your Body in Worship

The Struggle: Sexual sin always involves the body, so it’s crucial to reclaim our bodies for God’s purposes. Romans 6:13 calls us to offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness.

Actionable Advice:

• Physical Acts of Worship: Don’t be afraid to use your body in worship—sing, kneel, raise your hands. These acts can help break the power of shame and rewire your relationship with your body.

• Redirect Temptation: When tempted, physically move—go for a walk, sing a worship song, or do something that shifts your focus to God.

• Speak Truth Aloud: Declare God’s promises over your body and sexuality. Speaking truth can silence the lies that fuel shame and temptation.

Expert Insight: Matt shared how even singing (despite not being a great singer!) became a powerful way to invite God’s presence and peace into moments of temptation.

5. Understanding the Deeper Meaning of Sexual Desires

The Struggle: Sexual urges are often misunderstood as purely physical. In reality, they can point to deeper needs for intimacy, connection, and significance.

Actionable Advice:

• Ask “What Am I Really Seeking?” When you feel a sexual urge, pause and reflect. Is it about physical pleasure, or is there a deeper longing for love, acceptance, or worth?

• Let Desires Lead You to Jesus: Instead of shaming yourself, use your desires as reminders to seek intimacy with Christ, who alone can truly satisfy.

• Affirm Your Worth in God: Regularly remind yourself that your value comes from being loved by God, not from sexual experiences or performance.

Expert Insight: Matt’s journey revealed that his struggles with pornography were rooted in feelings of insignificance. As he learned to receive his worth from God, the power of those urges diminished.

6. Overcoming Obstacles: Shame, Guilt, and Societal Pressure

The Struggle: Shame and guilt from past mistakes, as well as cultural confusion about sexuality, can make it hard to embrace a Jesus-centered approach.

Actionable Advice:

• Receive Grace and Forgiveness: Jesus offers complete forgiveness. Don’t let shame keep you from His love and healing.

• Challenge Cultural Lies: Be aware of messages from society (and sometimes the church) that distort God’s design for sexuality. Measure everything against the truth of Scripture.

• Find Allies: You’re not alone. Seek out others who are pursuing Jesus-centered sexuality for encouragement and accountability.

Expert Insight: Matt emphasized that the enemy wants you to believe you’re uniquely broken or beyond hope. The truth is,

Freedom is possible for everyone who comes to Jesus.

7. The Promise of Freedom

The Struggle: Many feel hopeless, believing they’ll never be free from sexual sin or the mental and emotional burdens that come with it.

Actionable Advice:

• Hold Onto Hope: Freedom is not just possible—it’s promised in Christ. Don’t give up, even if you’ve failed many times.

• Celebrate Progress: Every step toward Jesus, no matter how small, is a victory. Recognize and celebrate growth.

• Stay Connected: Healing happens in community. Stay plugged into supportive relationships and resources.

Expert Insight: Matt reassured listeners that he’s seen countless people experience real freedom—not just from behaviors, but from the shame and hopelessness that once defined them.

8. Resources and Next Steps

Where to Start:

• Restored Ministries: Visit Restored Ministries for resources, support groups, and their YouTube show, “The Exposed Life.”

• Church & Sexuality Survey: Participate in their survey to help churches better understand and support those struggling with sexual issues.

• Daily Practice: Begin each day by inviting Jesus into your sexuality. Be honest with Him about your struggles and desires.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Honest Pursuit

Friend, if you’re reading this and feeling the weight of sexual brokenness, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. Jesus-centered sexuality isn’t about perfection; it’s about honest pursuit. Start where you are. Invite Jesus into your desires, wounds, and even your failures. Over time, you’ll discover a freedom and wholeness that only He can provide.

Let’s keep this conversation going. If you have questions, need prayer, or want to share your story, reach out. Together, we can walk the path of Jesus-centered sexuality—toward healing, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Christ.

For more resources and support, visit Restored Ministries and check out “The Exposed Life” on YouTube.

You are loved. You are not alone. And in Jesus, there is always hope.