1 Corinthians 7:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

⁶ Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.

Self-control is the last of the fruits of the spirit. Perhaps it is because it is expected of self and not of the spirit. This seems to be an issue of maturity and character. Both are developed over time and at different rates for each of us.

Paul’s advice that follows is listed as a concession, meaning he understands that some need more help than others. It is not a command, it is advice meant to help those who find themselves in need of help in this particular arena of life. I will not delve into the issue at hand, marriage. I am not a marriage counselor.

I am aware that this particular control issue is not the only one in which we might struggle with self-control. There are addictions we fall into from drugs to food and many in between. There are self-help groups for nearly all of them from NA to GA. The A in each stands for anonymous because there is a fair amount of shame associated with addiction.

Not all of these groups are faith based and even within those that are, it is not exclusive to Christian membership. The ambiguity of a high-power is often invoked. We all need help and advice is only advice where change is required. One has to take advice before they can discover if it works for them.

Paul makes one clear distinction by saying his advice is not a command. It is not law. Violating the advice is not a sin. People caught in a sin do not need another sin piled up upon their heads to get out from under.

Do not guilt others when giving Godly advice.

Psalm 10:17-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
¹⁸ to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Amen, as in “Make it so!”

What we see in the world right now does not exactly match this sentiment. Does the fact that we do not see peace on earth mean that God hasn’t performed His Word?

My opinion is that God is always right, Jesus is righteous, and I am their subject. I do not get to judge God according to what I perceive in this world. I believe in Jesus Christ and that has to come first.

Psalm 26:3 English Standard Version (ESV) For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.

One must see His steadfast love in order to walk in it. Note closely about walking in His faithfulness and not our own. If all we see is terror we will fall to it. If all we see is violence we will fall to it. If all we see is God’s steadfast love, we will fall to it.

In verse 17 above He will strengthen our hearts if we pore out our desires concerning afflictions. There is a call to pray going on right now. Many see affliction coming. That is a world view. What does God see?

I read my bible and the prophecies. It is the imagination that tries to fit all the pieces together.  God reveals with purpose and if we are to see things God’s way, then it is because He is calling us to be in His will with purpose.

Until then, carry out His last command. Make disciples.