I’m just saying it’s also important to realize that everyone else is operating under the same assumption. No one is thinking, “Well, this clearly isn’t the most biblical way, but I like it better than God’s way.”
So just be careful in your arguments to acknowledge that and present reasons why you believe and act one way; your goal is to persuade your brothers out of love, or to have your beliefs corrected because you want to search out what’s right.
And if people aren’t doing wickedly, rejoice and fellowship with them; don’t estrange or provoke.
]]>You are saying, in essence, “You have your opinion and I have His.” You imply that any *person* (hence: personal) who practices courtship is following a less-Biblical, “self-righteous path to holiness.”
You may or may not be right about the first part; arranged marriage may be more Biblical. I think that is a good argument and I’m glad you brought it up because so many reformed (including myself) haven’t thought it through. But the second part—that courtship is always self-righteous—whether or not you meant it that way, is provocative and simply not true.
This comment should not be construed as me hating you or being irate. But just be careful you are going about your arguments charitably.
]]>Matthew, I believe I talked about Samson and Delilah, Jacob and Leah and Rachel. They are IN the Bible, but what is brought up as a good marriage, process, et cetera again? Jacob’s polygamy brought about a civil war, and Solomon was brought to fault because he loved all those wives, not to mention the David Bathsheba incident, although God did take that and used it for good, the birth of Solomon, but Nathan was clear that the fact that it happened was… well, bad. Biblical and in the Bible are different. Ruth and Boaz were married because of Law, that is considered a fantastic marriage in Scripture, and shown to be so. Isaac’s marriage was perfectly legit according to God, since He commanded it be such. I don’t think I’m better than anyone because I believe this, I only read Scripture and say “This is what I see God saying, What am I missing?” Answer me, brothers… or wait until my next post. This is going to steal all my good points.
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