Taking offense easily can be a frustrating habit that leads to unnecessary conflict and damaged relationships. As Christians, God calls us to have patience, extend grace, and not be easily angered (Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:2). Here is a 9000 word exploration of what the Bible teaches about overcoming a sensitive spirit and learning to not take offense at minor issues. Understand the Roots of Offense Often, overly taking offense is rooted in deeper heart issues like pride, selfishness, insecurity, and misplaced expectations of others (Proverbs 13:10, Galatians 5:26, Philippians 2:3-4). Spending time in prayer and asking God to reveal the…
Author: Richard Curi
Can a Christian woman wear sexually provocative lingerie for her husband? The question of whether a Christian woman can wear sexually provocative lingerie for her husband is one that does not have a definitive yes or no answer according to the Bible. There are several factors to consider when examining what the Bible says about this topic. Definitions First, it is important to define what is meant by “sexually provocative lingerie.” Lingerie itself simply refers to women’s underwear and nightclothes. However, sexually provocative lingerie would refer to more revealing, erotic, or arousing types of underwear and clothing. This could include…
Covetousness, or envy, is the strong desire for something that someone else has. It goes beyond mere admiration and enters into sin when we begin to wish that we had something that belongs to someone else or when we want to take something that does not rightfully belong to us. Covetousness is the opposite of being content with what God has given us. It is a violation of the 10th Commandment, which says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his…
The topic of whether worship should follow the regulative or normative principle is an important one for Christians seeking to understand how God desires to be worshipped. This 9000 word article will provide an overview of the biblical evidence supporting each viewpoint to help readers come to their own conclusions. Defining the regulative and normative principles The regulative principle states that the only acceptable elements of worship are those that are expressly commanded or modeled in Scripture. This view argues that God’s Word regulates corporate worship, and anything not prescribed in Scripture is implicitly forbidden. The regulative principle is most…
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks that need to be completed. It is something that most people struggle with to some degree. When procrastination becomes a habit, it can have negative effects on our lives and relationships. The Bible has quite a bit to say about procrastination and diligence. One of the most direct biblical passages about procrastination is Proverbs 6:6-11 which says: Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will…
Why do Mormons refer to themselves as Latter Day Saints? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian denomination based on both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that founder Joseph Smith Jr. restored doctrines and authority to the earth in 1830 after centuries of apostasy. The term “Mormon” comes from the Book of Mormon, which adherents believe contains the writings of ancient prophets in the Americas. The term “Latter-day Saints” refers to the belief that members of the church live in the prophesied latter days before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Use…
The lily of the valley is mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:1 which says, “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” This verse is part of a love poem describing the loving relationship between a bride and bridegroom. In this verse, the bride is speaking and referring to herself as “a lily of the valleys.” Let’s explore what this means. The Setting of Song of Solomon The Song of Solomon is a book of the Bible that depicts the love and sexual intimacy between a husband and wife. It takes the form of a poetic dialogue…
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage contains a profoundly important truth about salvation that all Christians should understand. In these two verses, the apostle Paul explains that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, not by any human effort or good works. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning and significance of this passage. Salvation is by Grace Alone The first key phrase in Ephesians 2:8-9…
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder alternate between periods of mania (elevated moods and energy) and periods of depression (low, sad moods and lack of energy). These mood shifts can be sudden and dramatic, causing significant impairment in daily functioning. Bipolar disorder is not directly discussed in the Bible, as it is a modern psychiatric diagnosis. However, the Bible has much to say about human suffering, mental anguish, and the care of those struggling with illness. By examining relevant biblical principles, we can develop a…
The Council of Trent was an ecumenical council held in Trent, Italy between 1545 and 1563. It is considered one of the most important councils in the history of the Catholic Church. The Council was convened to address the issues raised by Protestants and to enact reforms within the Catholic Church. Some of the key events and outcomes of the Council of Trent included: Reaffirmation of Catholic Doctrines One of the main goals of the Council was to clearly define Catholic doctrines and beliefs in response to the theological challenges posed by Protestants. The Council reaffirmed and strengthened traditional Catholic…