Finding Your Creative Bones® 365-Day Devotional © 2023
Praise the Lord, who loves all people, men and women, for all time.
For there is one God and one peacemaker between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave himself as an offering for all; witness of which was to be given at the right time; (1 Timothy 2.5-6 Bible in Basic English (BBE)
This Scripture is later followed by verses 1 Timothy 2.9-15, which may cause you concern. You are probably not alone if you are a woman. It helps to remember that women were subservient to men when these verses were written. Men were responsible for women. This culture still exists in parts of the world. We have all seen it. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul taught what he knew, but it is important to remember that he led from a place of love and concern for all people.
It was very early in his Christian experience. Paul was still learning and trying to understand what Jesus had taught the disciples. He was full of passion and desire to share the good news and to bring many to salvation through Jesus Christ. We will never know, but Paul might have felt uncomfortable at some level with being successful in getting others to believe if he had tried to change men's thoughts about women. Times were so different. Women were different. Women thought differently.
If these verses bother you, take comfort in considering Mary Magdelene, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and all of the women Jesus met in his life. Did he ever put one in their place or put them aside? Was he ever unkind or demeaning? He was not. Jesus repeatedly demonstrated love and great compassion for women. Find comfort that Jesus Christ, who knew God's intention, loved all equally and joyfully showed that love.
Prayer:
Lord, who loves all people, men and women, I ask you to remove any resistance from my mind as I read Scripture. There are moments where my personal bias may interfere with discerning your message. Help me understand the nuances that explain why some scripture is difficult to accept. Rather than grow angry or confused, please help me find the actual message and pass around the emotions that are not justified. I want to see the true meaning in your words and take them into my heart. Encourage me to continue reading and to be patient while the meaning unfolds. Remind me to pray to you regarding anything that concerns me. Help me learn so I can help others remove their barriers. Amen
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Word of the Day
WOMEN
Read the Scripture in context on the Bible in Basic English (BBE) website.
I enjoyed reading this piece. Yes, "God" (Yahweh) and His Son "Jesus" (Yahshua) love their people, both men and women. I'm eternally grateful for their love, compassion, and justice. - Danwil Reyes
Is it possible when scripture was written, men were "in charge" and women did what they were asked to do? Through the times this has changed and I see many men and women equal to some extent. However there are still men who need to "control" women but women are strong and are probably fighting back in today's times. I so enjoy reading your scriptures.
Times have changed, but many are using these sections of the Bible to keep women from achieving and earning incomes they deserve.