THE GIFT
I Corinthians 7:6-9
"But this I say as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say this to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."
Paul recognized that God does not give the same gift to everyone. Some are given the gift of marriage and some the gift of celibacy. Paul's gift was celibacy and he advocated that for others, but not as a commandment. A little later in this letter, he explained why celibacy was better – because the person who is unmarried is free to serve the Lord, but the married person with family has distractions (see vss. 32-33). But celibacy demands self-control to maintain purity. If a man is consumed by his sexual drive, then it is better to marry than to carry the burden of his sexual passion with no proper avenue to release it. Very practical advice.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God.
Appreciate and enjoy your gift today. Love you.
I Corinthians 7:6-9
"But this I say as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say this to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."
Paul recognized that God does not give the same gift to everyone. Some are given the gift of marriage and some the gift of celibacy. Paul's gift was celibacy and he advocated that for others, but not as a commandment. A little later in this letter, he explained why celibacy was better – because the person who is unmarried is free to serve the Lord, but the married person with family has distractions (see vss. 32-33). But celibacy demands self-control to maintain purity. If a man is consumed by his sexual drive, then it is better to marry than to carry the burden of his sexual passion with no proper avenue to release it. Very practical advice.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Both marriage and celibacy are gifts from God.
Appreciate and enjoy your gift today. Love you.
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