Gaming can be an incredible way to connect with friends, develop skills, and enjoy God's gift of creativity. But as Christians, we're called to honour God in everything we do - including how we game. This doesn't mean gaming is wrong; it means we approach it with wisdom, character, and discernment.
So what does it look like to game well as a Christian? Let's explore the key principles that help us honour God while enjoying video games.
1. Respect PEGI Ratings and Age Appropriateness
What Are PEGI Ratings?
PEGI (Pan European Game Information) ratings help parents and young people understand what content is in a game. These ratings exist for a reason - to protect you from content that could be harmful, confusing, or inappropriate for your age.
Suitable for all ages - no concerning content
May contain mild violence or scary scenes
Moderate violence, mild bad language
Realistic violence, strong language
Christian Perspective on Age Ratings
As Christians, we should honour the boundaries our parents set and the wisdom behind age ratings. Proverbs 4:23 says: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Playing games meant for older audiences can expose you to content that doesn't align with Christian values - extreme violence, sexual content, occult themes, or glorification of sin. Respecting age ratings is about protecting your heart and mind.
2. Maintain Christ-Like Character in Your Gaming
Your in-game behaviour should reflect Jesus, even when no one knows you're a Christian. The way you handle wins, losses, and frustration reveals your character.
Don't Rage Quit
Leaving matches early because you're losing hurts your team and shows poor character. James 1:19-20 reminds us: "Be slow to anger, for human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Learn to lose with grace.
Avoid Toxic Behaviour
Don't blame teammates, spam chat with insults, or celebrate in ways that humiliate opponents. Ephesians 4:29 says: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up."
Be Humble in Victory, Gracious in Defeat
Say "GG" (good game) whether you win or lose. Congratulate opponents. Encourage struggling teammates. Philippians 2:3 teaches: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."
Practice Self-Control
Gaming can be frustrating, especially competitive gaming. But Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit. Take breaks when angry. Don't throw controllers. Manage your emotions in a way that honours God.
3. Avoid Games That Contradict Christian Values
Not all games are created equal. Some games blatantly oppose Christian beliefs and morals. As believers, we need to be discerning about what we allow into our minds and hearts.
Red Flags in Video Games
- Occult and Demonic Content: Games that glorify witchcraft, demon worship, or dark magic go against biblical teaching (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
- Sexual Immorality: Games with explicit sexual content, promiscuity, or objectification of bodies contradict God's design for purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
- Extreme/Gratuitous Violence: While some combat in games is fantasy-based, games that glorify torture, brutality, or reward cruelty desensitize us to violence.
- Anti-Christian Messaging: Games that mock Christianity, portray Christians negatively, or promote atheistic or anti-God worldviews.
- Drug Use and Crime Glorification: Games that reward drug dealing, crime, or immoral lifestyles as the primary gameplay loop.
The Heart Check
Ask yourself: Does this game pull me closer to God or further away? Does it make sin look appealing? Would I be comfortable playing this with Jesus sitting next to me?
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."- Philippians 4:8
4. Let Your Words Reflect Christ
The way we communicate in games matters. Every word you type or speak in voice chat is an opportunity to represent Christ or misrepresent Him. Your words have power.
Christ-Like Communication
- • Encourage teammates when they make mistakes
- • Say "Good luck, have fun!" (GLHF) at the start
- • Congratulate opponents on good plays
- • Use your voice to build up, not tear down
- • Give constructive feedback kindly
- • Stand up for those being bullied
Behaviours to Avoid
- • Swearing, cursing, or using God's name in vain
- • Insulting, mocking, or belittling other players
- • Racist, sexist, or discriminatory language
- • Spam, trolling, or intentionally annoying others
- • Spreading negativity or bringing down team morale
- • Using chat to argue about non-game topics
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
- Colossians 4:6
Even if others around you are toxic, you can be different. Your kindness and positive attitude can change the atmosphere of a game and be a testimony to others.
5. Stay Safe and Be Discerning Online
The online gaming world can be wonderful, but it also has real dangers. As Christians, we're called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This means being smart about online safety.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never share your full name, address, school name, phone number, or passwords with people you only know online. Use a gamertag instead of your real name. Remember - not everyone online is who they say they are.
Recognize Inappropriate Behaviour
If someone online makes you uncomfortable, asks personal questions, wants to meet in real life, asks for photos, or tries to keep secrets from your parents - that's a red flag. Tell a trusted adult immediately.
- • Block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable
- • Don't accept friend requests from strangers
- • Use privacy settings to control who can contact you
- • Never send money or gift cards to online "friends"
Guard Your Heart from Inappropriate Content
Be discerning about the images, messages, and ideas you encounter online. If you accidentally see something inappropriate, close it immediately and tell a parent. Don't let curiosity lead you into darkness. Job 31:1 says: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully."
Choose Your Gaming Community Wisely
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: "Bad company corrupts good character." The Discord servers, teams, and gaming groups you join will influence you. Seek out Christian gaming communities or groups that share your values.
6. Christian-Friendly Video Games
While not every game needs to be explicitly Christian, many games align well with Christian values or avoid problematic content. Here are some suggestions:
Minecraft
Peaceful mode available, encourages creativity and problem-solving
Rocket League
Car soccer with no violence, great for teamwork
The Legend of Zelda Series
Heroic journeys with themes of courage and good vs. evil
Portal, Tetris, Chess
Mental challenge without concerning content
Explicitly Christian Games: There are also games designed by Christians for Christians, such as "The Pilgrim's Progress" game, Bible trivia games, and worship-based rhythm games. While these are wonderful, you don't have to only play "Christian games" - just games that don't violate your faith.
💡 Check out our Game Reviews page for parent-friendly assessments of popular games.
7. Keep Gaming in Its Proper Place
Gaming itself isn't sinful, but when it becomes an idol or consumes your time in unhealthy ways, it becomes a problem. Colossians 3:23 says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
Put God First
Spend time in prayer, Bible reading, and church before gaming
Honor Your Parents
Respect gaming time limits and rules your parents set
Maintain Responsibilities
Complete homework, chores, and commitments before gaming
Protect Your Sleep
Don't sacrifice sleep for gaming - your body is God's temple (1 Cor 6:19)
8. Be a Light in the Gaming Community
Jesus said: "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). The gaming world needs Christians who live out their faith authentically.
How to Be a Light
- • Be consistently kind, even when others aren't
- • Defend players being bullied or harassed
- • Create or join Christian gaming communities
- • Share your faith when appropriate and natural
- • Let your character be noticeably different in a good way
- • Pray for your gaming friends and teammates
Gaming with Purpose
Gaming well as a Christian means approaching games with wisdom, maintaining Christ-like character, communicating with grace, protecting yourself and others, and keeping your priorities straight. It's not about being perfect - it's about honouring God in how you play.
Remember: You can be a competitive gamer AND a committed Christian. They're not opposites - they can work together beautifully when you game with character, invite others well, and play with purpose.