7:24-401 C o ri n thia n s135enslaved by the world. Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yetmarried. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lordin his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share itwith you. Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as youare. If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not havea wife, do not seek to get married. But if you do get married, it is not a sin.And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those whoget married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare youthose problems.But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains isvery short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only ontheir marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things shouldnot be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Thosewho use the things of the world should not become attached to them. Forthis world as we know it will soon pass away.I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried mancan spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and howto please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a womanwho is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted tothe Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to thinkabout her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I amsaying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want youto do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractionsas possible.But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and willinevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is nota sin. But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgencyand he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. So the personwho marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry doeseven better.A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies,she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. But inmy opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am givingyou counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.
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