FRIDAY February 9, 2018
Godly Advice for Fathers
But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin,does well. So then he who gives herin marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. - 1 Corinthians 7:36-38
Paul seems to be addressing a very unique situation in the church of Corinth. If there was an older virgin daughter––a single person who was still living at home––it would be good for her father to look for a bachelor to be her husband, but only in the Lord. However, if his daughter wanted to continue to stay home for the rest of her life, she could help him clean the home and take care of any other duties. A daughter can be at home and help her father in his old age.
In many cultures today, we do not have arranged marriages. A Christian woman can marry whom she pleases, but only in the Lord––another Christian. If you are a daughter who has lived at home with your parents for a long time, there is nothing wrong with you leaving home to get married––it is good.
A father and mother of an older daughter getting married should not condemn their daughter for leaving them. Parents should never place a burden on an older daughter to stay home and take care of them. A father and mother should be able to give their daughter their blessings.
However, if a daughter wants to live with her parents, she can go to work and help in the home. There is nothing wrong with that. Parents can make the decision to have her stay home, so that everyone can be unified in that decision and responsibility.
A happy family is but an earlier heaven.
~John Bowring~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
