1 CORINTHIANS 7
36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.– 1 Corinthians 7:36-40
1 CORINTHIANS 7 ON CONTROLLING ONE’S DESIRE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As humans, it is inevitable to have our own desires and passions
A desire is a strong longing or yearning for something or someone
A passion is an intense emotional reaction to a particular thing or person
Be careful that your desires and passions do not consume you
If you serve Jesus, you will let the Holy Spirit guide your desires
Crave only for things that are holy and those that build up others.
In this letter, Paul weighs whether it is better to stay single or married. He discussed desires and passions. He gave examples of situations where one may be unable to control their desires or passions. In verse 36 he points out the importance of controlling their desires with their fiancée but if they cannot regulate such passions and it overwhelms them, he advises them to marry so that they will not sin. In verse 37, he commends those who are able to control themselves and wait for that period of engagement. For the widowed, Paul recommends for them to stay single and he thinks that it is wise advice for them to follow so that they could focus on serving the Lord.
In our world today, many people cannot have desires and passions that are under control. We live in a society where instant gratification is the norm and delaying getting what we want is a novelty.
REFLECTION
- How can Christians become more aware of earthly cravings and control it?
