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NASB | Romans 14:1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 14:1 As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions. |
Bible Question: I am going to get married soon , my fiancee is of the opinion of having only one child, whether contraception is allowed according to Bible. I am really confused how to proceed in life, please help |
Bible Answer: Hello Rajeeb, First let me congratulate you on your upcoming marriage, I wish you the very best. It is good that you are seeking God's heart as you attempt to find answers for life's perplexing questions. The Bible teaches that man was commissioned by God “to be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) Also, the Bible presents children as a gift from God (Genesis 4:1; Genesis 33:5). Children also are: a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). a blessing from God (Luke 1:42). a crown to the aged (Proverbs 17:6). And, God forms children in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16). God blesses barren women with children (Psalm 113:9; Genesis 21:1-3; 25:21-22; 30:1-2; 1 Samuel 1:6-8; Luke 1:7, 24-25). God knows children even before their birth (Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15). Maybe, your spouse could have a change of heart, so I would not make any rules right now for the future. It is entirely possible for the Lord to change her heart after she has a first child. I would say to let God be your guide at that point, and read the fourth chapter of Philippians, paying special attention to verse six prior to writing anything in stone. Sadly, children today are often considered to be a burden. They are a hindrance to people’s career paths and financial goals, and “cramp our style” socially. This type of selfishness is commonly what prompts the use of contraceptives. Scripture does not specifically condemn birth control, but comes close to it in Genesis 38, the account of Judah's sons Er and Onan. Er married a woman named Tamar, but he was wicked and the Lord put him to death, leaving Tamar with no husband or children. Tamar was given in marriage to Er's brother, Onan, in accordance with the law in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. However,Onan did not want to split his inheritance with any offspring on his brother's behalf, so he used his available birth control, withdrawal. Genesis 38:10 says, “What he did was wicked in the LORD's sight; so He put him to death also.” Onan was selfishly motivated in his action: he used Tamar for his own pleasure, but refused to perform his duty for his deceased brother. This passage has been cited as evidence that God does not approve of birth control. But the context suggests that it was not the act of contraception that caused Onan's death; it was the selfish motives behind his act. It is important for us to view children as God sees them, not as any worldly motives suggest. Having said all this, the Bible does not specifically forbid contraception. It is not the act of contraception that determines whether a couple's decision is wrong or right. As we see in the story of Onan, it was the motivation behind the action that determines if contraception is right or wrong. If a married couple is practicing contraception in order to have more for themselves, then they are wrong. If a couple is practicing contraception in order to temporarily delay children until they are more mature and more financially and spiritually prepared, then it is perhaps acceptable to use contraception for a time. I will not say that the Spirit is Not influencing your decision, God's picture of marriage was meant to be as a trinity. Husband, wife, and Jesus, living together as one. But that is a little too deep for this thread. Remember to give it time and pray together before you decide. The Bible always portrays children as a good thing. The inability to have children is always presented in Scripture as a bad thing. And there is no one in the Bible who expressed a desire not to have any children. (Onan wasn't against children, he was against having them for someone else.) At the same time, it cannot be argued from the Bible that it is ever wrong to use birth control for a limited time. All married couples should seek the Lord’s will in regards to when they should try to have children and how many children they seek to have. I would like to recommended a book, called: "Birth Control for Christians: Making Wise Choices" By: Jenell Williams Paris It just so happens to be on sale at Christian Book Distributors, online for 99 cents. Thats over 90 percent off, since it sells regularly for 14.99. May our LORD bless you and yours as you seek Him |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Rom 14:1 | Author | ||
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virtuous-07 | ||
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Rajeeb | ||
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BradK | ||
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keliy | ||
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Beja |