Live without concern

"And I do this because of the gospel in order to share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:23).

The Apostle Paul received the gift of celibacy, but it must be said that he chose to accept this gift. After his conversion, Paul could have chosen to marry, and God would not have exceeded his free will. He would have let him make that choice. Jesus will say on this subject that some people "give up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:12). This was the case of Paul. Paul also explained to those who were not married and to widows that it would be better to stay that way, because he knew that it would cause both suffering (in the persecution) and also a loss of productivity. for the Kingdom.

He will explain again in 1 Corinthians 7 the mentality of one who lives for the gospel : "What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that time is short. From now on, let those who have a wife be as if they did not have one (...) and those who enjoy this world as if they did not enjoy it, because the world in its present form passes. But I would like you to be without anxiety." (1 Corinthians 7: 29,31-32). The word "anxiety" Also means concern. Paul knew that a married person is a shared person. That's why before getting married, I warned my fiancée of the price we would have to pay for the gospel, and she agreed with that. And I have the impression that she often pays a price higher than mine, devoting herself while doing all things to promote my own consecration. This was the case just a few minutes ago, when having barely eaten, she encouraged me to go to write, without getting rid of anything and without finishing the meal. And she has done these things a multitude of times.

When we put the Kingdom of God first in our lives, God will arrange for our personal affairs. We have time, because we are setting aside this time, to proclaim the gospel and to love someone today.

Jeremy Sourdril