Scripture: 1st Corinthians 7:3-4
The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Thought for the Day: We come across these words, and for most people in our modern age, we find ourselves to be a bit uncomfortable with what they are saying. In a world of human trafficking, rape and where men believe they have power over women’s bodies, these words can be used (and have been used out of context) to justify unhealthy and violent actions against women. This is one of those moments when we need a mental time machine, traveling back to First Century Palestine where women did not have any authority over anything, including their bodies. Yet Paul offers what would have been a rather shocking addition to traditional thinking. Not only does the husband have authority over his wife’s body, but Paul adds that the wife has authority over her husband’s body.
I can’t say for sure, but I imagine a few people in the days of Paul falling over backwards upon hearing or reading these words. Because of his relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Paul saw dramatic breaks with old ways of thinking. Now does that mean Paul was setting a new set of guidelines for all time, or should we view his words as providing insight into how faith in the One who provides unconditional love continues to challenge our ways of thinking and living?
Prayer: Most Holy God, continue to challenge my thinking and our corporate thinking on a whole range of ideas. Though you have a great vision for humanity, it appears that we humans can only receive its deep beauty and far-reaching character a little at a time. Please be patient with us. Amen.
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