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NASB | Ephesians 5:29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 5:29 For no one ever hated his own body, but [instead] he nourishes and protects and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, |
Subject: how can suicide be the same |
Bible Note: Hi Jeff, I guess in my thinking I equate "believe", "think", and "feel" with "act", "do", and "am". That the state of my mind will dictate the direction of my body. There may be many levels to look through before reaching the actual directing factors, but that ultimately, you can discern a person's actual beliefs and values by what they do. This does lead me into an all or nothing, black or white kind of mindset. That also seems to be how I understand the Bible, that things are a certain way, or that they are not that way. And Jeff, I have no wish to accuse you of blasphemey. In asking you if you thought that Eph 5:29 did not mean what it said, it is my only desire to remain true to the Word of God. I admit I asked a rather pointed question, and I apologize if this brought offense. I'm sorry, I did not mean it that way. And I must apologize, also, because you're perfectly right, you had already made clear that you did not accept that verse as having the plain, face meaning of the scripture, and offered the passage from Job, where he says that even if he were perfect, he would still know his own soul, and would hate his life. But that was the reason for my question, in asking if to hate one's life is the same as hating their body. You know from your experience, as you have said yourself, it gets all mixed up, and the ways we act are not consistent with how we present ourselves. I contend that if you go deeply enough, you will find there is consistancy. But before I were to agree with you, that we could call a certain passage a "generalization", and not a plain statement of fact, I need to know where the Bible allows that, or even requires that meaning. I just don't see it in Job. And disagreements aside, you have offered much food for thought. And I am glad that you as a believer are in that field. It sounds like you are working with some very hurting people. Thank you for your kindness and patience. Love in Christ, Mark |