Subject: Christians living together outside of ma |
Bible Note: PutGodFirst - With much reluctance and a great deal of trepidation, I enter into this thorny domestic drama being played out on this thread. It does not, strictly speaking, come within the scope and purpose of SBF, yet it does have its aspects to which the Bible speaks clearly. First, there is the matter of fornication about which the Scriptures leave no doubt. It is a sin. But in this case, as I read the thread, the fornication is alleged, is it not? There seems to be no positive proof that this has occurred between these two young people. Be that as it may -- for there is an issue that is perhaps more crucial in, and more germane to the solution of, this domestic crucible. ...... To introduce it I will refer to some passages from Scripture. In a passage from Matthew 18:21,22, Peter inquired of our Lord how often he should forgive. "Up to seven times?" Peter asked. Our Lord responded, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." ....... In John's Gospel, 8-1-11, Jesus teaches a powerful lesson on forgiveness, concluding His discourse with the adulterous woman with, "I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more." ....... And in Matthew 6, Jesus follows up the prayer He taught His disciples with these solemn words, "For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions." ....... Perhaps the greatest gift you could give your son and his fiancee at this time is the gift of forgiveness. Perhaps the strongest witness of your Christian faith to these young people is your forgiveness. Perhaps the greatest help you could lend to them as they begin a life together is your forgiveness. Young people starting out in marriage to establish a home, carve out a career, and raise a family need all the love and encouragement their respective families can give them. The least thing on earth they need is to begin their married lives with the millstone of unforgiving parents tied around their necks. ...... As a 72-year old Christian father of three children and the grand-father of three precious little ones, I assure you there have been many times when it became necessary to forgive -- and be forgiven. Please think about and pray about these things, and as you do, consider the words of our dear Lord who said, "He who is without sin among you, let him be first to throw a stone..." (See John 8:7). --Hank |