About Love

[Nicola Jane]

● 1Thess 4:3-7 . . It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.

"wrong his brother" in this matter refers to adultery.

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Heb 13:4)

Christians commit adultery with Christians? Haw! Does that even need to be answered? Of course they do; and it goes on all the time, even among church officers; who by all rights should be setting the example for the rank and file.

My wife was once friends with the wife of a counselor in a very big church in San Diego. She confided with my wife (on the QT of course) that it was amazing the number of church officers and their wives who were messing around. She couldn't reveal their names of course due to confidentiality considerations.
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Hello beetow
yes all horribly true two elders at a local fellowship i visited a couple of times they invited me to go
had an affair with others members split two families and the pastor resigned and all the congregation divided
i left very quickly
Deadly adultery is just subtly creeps in and destroys very very painfull for the ones who are the cheated on but God sees and im glad as this is a destroyer of the family and souls of men
looks good to the lustfull at first
but has a bitter end
dont even like the word adultery or divorce scares me them words do as ive seen the damage caused pure heartbreak and even when there is restoration and forgiveness deep wounds are left
but thanks be to God he heals the broken hearted and rewards the unrepentant adulterer
God bless beetow always good to read your word of God for today x

 

[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:11 . . Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Building up is just the opposite of tearing down. Christians in Galatia were busy doing just that.

"But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another!" (Gal 5:15)

Biting and devouring one another describes cannibals and carnivorous beasts.
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[Nicola Jane]

● 1Thess 5:11 . . Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Building up is just the opposite of tearing down. Christians in Galatia were busy doing just that.

"But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another!" (Gal 5:15)

Biting and devouring one another describes cannibals and carnivorous beasts.
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so agree

 

[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:13b . . Live in peace with each other.

In this instance, "each other" probably refers to fellow believers.

The category of peace Paul is talking about is social; viz: harmony in personal relations. The Hippies and the peace-nics failed to achieve peace primarily because they couldn't be civil among themselves unless they were high on mood-altering drugs.

Peace can be defined as: calm, pacific, tranquil, at rest, quiet, and free of trouble and strife.

A lack of peace is characterized by war, quarrelling, debating, vendettas, hostility, grudging, fault finding, nit picking, chafing, competition, rivalry, cold shouldering, factions, taking sides, cliques, hostility, militancy, disorder, antagonism, fighting, conflict, struggles, et al.

NOTE: Never assume that everyone you meet in church is a fellow believer. Going to church on Sunday is just what some people do, and probably have done ever since they were kids. There was a time when going to church on Sunday was considered good citizenship; and quite a few people were there for no other reason; i.e. church sort of fills out their social résumé. And then some people hang out in church because they're lonely and wanting to meet some new friends; etc, etc, etc, etc.
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[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:14b . . Comfort the discouraged

A discouraged person is someone who's given up all expectation that a situation will improve or change; viz: despairing.

In order to obey that directive, it's necessary to become personal with the people with whom you attend church. Too many Christians are like little islands of humanity in church. They warm a pew on Sunday morning and then get up and leave without bothering to spend even one minute mingling. They don't attend Sunday school because in Sunday school you meet people-- you associate with them; you get to know them, and they get to know you.

As disagreeable as that might be for private types of Christians, Sunday school is the best place in church to go for sympathy, for encouragement, and for support. Unfortunately, not many Christians can deal with negativity; and tend to distance themselves from people down in the dumps.

A Word To The Wise: Never, ever try to comfort someone by saying it could be worse. All you've accomplished when you say that is reveal that you are a sympathy-challenged clod who can think of nothing better to say.

Here's another:

Some years ago my favorite Guinea Pig died and I was depressed and blue by its passing because we were very attached. One of the men at work said: Well, you know death is the normal round of life. If you guessed that man was a thoughtless moron, you got it right; he was always saying the wrong thing.

In Dr. Laura Schlessinger's book "Ten Stupid Things That Men Do To Mess Up Their Lives" she lists men's propensity to fix things. In other words: instead of simply lending a sympathetic ear to people's problems, some men tend to see people with problems as "broken" and in need of repair; and then of course they take the initiative to begin offering unsolicited remedies. No; the idea is to console the discouraged rather than talk them out of their low state of mind.
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[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:14c . . Support the weak

That could probably be stretched to mean any number of things; but I should think it includes care for your church's aged and/or infirm; viz; people on crutches, people getting around in wheel chairs, people who can no longer drive a car, people lacking enough health to even leave their residences and go shopping on their own, people stuck in assisted living: that sort of thing.
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[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:14d . . Be patient with everyone.

The Greek word for patient is makrothumeo (mak-roth-oo-meh'-o) which has little to do with getting fed up with people. In James 5:7-8 it speaks of giving things space to happen in their own good time.

I would say that in this case, makrothumeo speaks of giving people a chance to either catch on or catch up. For example: we all perfectly understand what we're saying while those hearing may need to have us restate ourselves in different words in order to clarify a misunderstanding.
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[Beetow]

● 1Thess 5:15 . . See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Reciprocation is a normal response to abuse, injustice, and ill will but it isn't a spiritual response; so Christ's followers are not allowed to exercise that kind of behavior.

Christian conduct isn't a temporary uniform kept in the closet just for Sunday mornings like the rather odd patrons who wear costumes at Star Trek conventions. No, Christian conduct is every-day wear: in the home, on the job, at school, at the beach, at the mall, at the park, at the beach, in restaurants, at the dentist, in amusement centers, at the zoo, at the circus, on the internet, et al; in other words: ever-followed; not just at church on Sunday morning; which makes ever-following that which is good somewhat stressful at first; until it becomes second nature, i.e. a habit.
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[Beetow]

● 1Tim 5:1a . . When speaking to an older man, appeal to him respectfully as though he were your own father.

There's probably nothing more humiliating to a parent than to be treated like dirt by their children-- except maybe to be treated like dirt by a spouse.

Americans have the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Well, a child is not a parent's peer; he's not even the parent's equal let alone his peer. Parents are not children's peers; no, parents are their betters, not their equals. It's a thoughtless, wicked, insolent dunce who treats their parents with no more respect than a college beer buddy.

I was in a Sunday school class one morning where a young fellow substituted for the regular teacher. After practically every sentence during his lecture, the fellow would pause, tighten his lips, turn down the corners of his mouth, squint his eyes into narrow slits, and look around the room with a fierce scowl on his face; and better than half that room was older than he was. I don't know about the rest of the group, but as a man easily twice his age; I deeply resented the looks that youngster was giving us.
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[Beetow]

● 1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own kin.

In this case, the "kin" would be sort of like a man's younger siblings; viz: his kid brothers. Young boys look up to their big brothers; who by all rights should be setting the example as role models that a growing boy can be proud of. Big brothers ought to be available too, and not treat their younger siblings as excess baggage and/or uncool nerds and morons beneath their dignity to be seen with.

Church officers who grew up in dysfunctional homes, where human relationships were an ongoing cold war, are going to find that 1Tim 5:1b is very difficult to obey in a manner that exemplifies peace, love, and understanding. Were they to speak to the younger men in church the very same way that they're accustomed to speaking to their families growing up; it would produce disastrous results.
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[Beetow]

● 1Tim 5:2a . . Speak to the older women as mothers,

Speaking to older women as mothers means doing so in compliance with the fourth of the Ten Commandments.

"Honor your mother" (Ex 20:12)

Honoring one's mother means giving her the respect that her age and her maternal position deserve. It means watching your language, and it means keeping a civil tongue in your head. It means speaking to her as a grown-up instead of a child. It means treating her as superior and you as subordinate. It means deferring to her wishes instead of demanding your own.
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[Beetow]

● 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

The Greek word for "purity" is hagneia (hag-ni'-ah) which means: cleanliness; viz: chastity

Webster's defines "chastity" as: abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse and/or purity in conduct and intention

Church officers are sometimes admired as celebrities; ergo: they're in an advantageous position for meeting star-struck women; thus opportunities for trysts abound.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if hanging out in a beer joint or a bowling alley. These days it's all too easy to inadvertently pick up inappropriate speech habits due to the proliferation of vulgar language in television and Hollywood movie scripts. Keep it professional guys.
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[Nicola Jane]

● 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

The Greek word for "purity" is hagneia (hag-ni'-ah) which means: cleanliness; viz: chastity

Webster's defines "chastity" as: abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse and/or purity in conduct and intention

Church officers are sometimes admired as celebrities; ergo: they're in an advantageous position for meeting star-struck women; thus opportunities for trysts abound.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if hanging out in a beer joint or a bowling alley. These days it's all too easy to inadvertently pick up inappropriate speech habits due to the proliferation of vulgar language in television and Hollywood movie scripts. Keep it professional guys.
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Totally agree
i personally am aware of my dress code and behaviour around men and show respect to my hubby always as its so easy for men or women to see Love as sexual attraction
Im a very loving person but in a motherly way to young lads and a sister to older men but i keep my self out of situations and lust is on fire nowdays more and more with tv phones and celebritys exposing all things which should be kept between and man and his wife x
Good post shame its not on celebrity facebook walls instead of it all hanging loose for all to see
not good at all for the youth of today
marriage is not honoured or felt needed today
its all freinds with benefits makes me sad
my own older kids dont want to be married see no point i pray always God bless you x

 

[Beetow]

● 1Tim 5:3-4 . . Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, her kin should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

A widow in real need would be one who is unable to work and has no one of her own to look out after her. Here in modern America that situation isn't nearly as serious as it is in third world countries where there are no government assistance programs for senior citizens. So you can see that in those circumstances a widow's church may be the only thing between her and grinding poverty.

A widow's Christian offspring have a sacred obligation to provide for their aging ancestors.

"Those who won't care for their own kin, especially those living in the same household, have disregarded what we believe. Such people are worse than infidels." (1Tim 5:8)
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[Beetow]

● 2Tim 2:14 . . Command them in God's name to stop quarrelling over trifles.

In a Sean Connery movie titled "The Name Of The Rose" church dignitaries assembled a meeting of the minds to reach a resolution on a theological question which was: Did the Christ own the clothes that he wore or not?

Well, needless to say, the discussion turned into bickering wherein nothing was resolved. Tempers flared, shouting ensued, feelings were hurt, and people were alienated over the issue-- a rather meaningless issue; which is precisely what it means to fiddle while Rome burns down around you.

Christians are often embroiled in arguments over things that in the grand scheme of things have almost zero importance while all around them are weightier matters begging their attention.

It's interesting that Paul didn't want Timothy's flock instructed to avoid quarrelling over trifles, rather, to stop quarrelling. I can't help but wonder how many Christians think to seek absolution for the sin of quarrelling over trifles when they go to God in prayer.
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[Beetow]

● 2Tim 2:23 . . Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce debating.

Not all speculation is forbidden; only the kind that's absurd and uneducated.

I seriously doubt that 2Tim 2:23 is addressing one's IQ, but rather, the propensity of some to shoot from the lip without really knowing what they're talking about and/or having the slightest basis for their perspective.

So; if Christians are to refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, then they really ought to avoid spouting their own too.

Anyway, the focus is upon debating which, at its worst, are typically running gun battles and/or perpetual bull sessions that never get to the bottom of anything. Classical debates are quite a bit different. Neither side interrupts the other, nor shouts to be heard, nor strives to get in the last word; rather, opponents take turns to present what they believe to be evidence supporting their argument until there comes a sensible point in the discussion when both sides "rest" which is a legal term for concluding all arguments when neither side has any new evidence to submit.

Classical debating is peaceful and orderly whereas running gun battles and perpetual bull sessions typically deteriorate into quarreling, anger, frustration, animosity, malice, and hurt feelings.
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[Beetow]

● 2Tim 2:24a . . The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome

NOTE: The Greek word translated bond-servant means slave; ether voluntary or involuntary. Bond servants are different than captive slaves. A bond servant is typically someone who's entered into a service agreement without compensation; usually to satisfy a debt.

Although the choice to translate the Greek to indicate a bond servant was probably done so arbitrarily, it fits the Christian concept of one's allegiance to Christ.

As regards quarrelling:

Sometimes it's best to follow Han Solo's advice and "let the Wookie win one". In other words; when one is wise; two are happy. Be the wise one and pick your fights carefully. Don't expend your energies on hot button topics; they'll just lead to anger, frustration, demeaning comments, antagonism, and thoughtless remarks.

Especially avoid getting into discussions with obtuse individuals driven by a rather annoying propensity to challenge everything you say simply because they thrive on perpetual debating that never gets to the bottom of anything.

Another thing: Do you really have to be right all the time? People are entitled to a second opinion so let them have one. It's good diplomacy; which can be defined as skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility, i.e. tact.
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[Beetow]

● 2Tim 2:24b-26 . . The Lord's servant must . . be kind to all, apt to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them a change of heart leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

The all in "be kind to all" really should be taken to mean all in Christian congregations rather than all in the world. The reason being, according to Eph 4:11-16, Christ doesn't dispense his servants for the world's benefit, rather, for his body's benefit.

For the above reason; Sunday school teachers need to treat the people in church who oppose them with the same sympathy and consideration as they would patients in a mental hospital who lack the faculties to know what they're doing and/or to think for themselves; hence the instructions to be kind, gentle, and patient because according to the last words in that passage, those folks are entangled in a bit of paranormal activity not easily overcome.
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[Nicola Jane]

● 2Tim 2:24b-26 . . The Lord's servant must . . be kind to all, apt to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them a change of heart leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

The all in "be kind to all" really should be taken to mean all in Christian congregations rather than all in the world. The reason being, according to Eph 4:11-16, Christ doesn't dispense his servants for the world's benefit, rather, for his body's benefit.

For the above reason; Sunday school teachers need to treat the people in church who oppose them with the same sympathy and consideration as they would patients in a mental hospital who lack the faculties to know what they're doing and/or to think for themselves; hence the instructions to be kind, gentle, and patient because according to the last words in that passage, those folks are entangled in a bit of paranormal activity not easily overcome.
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very helpfull post
God bless you x

 

[Nicola Jane]

very helpfull post
God bless you x

can i ask
you said
Christ doesn't dispense his servants for the worlds benefit
are we not to be kind to who soever also whether they be folk of the world the lost or the congregation x