But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. — The criterion is self-control (enkrateia), the capacity to manage sexual desire. Those who lack this gift should marry; Paul uses 'burn' (purousthai) as vivid image of unmanaged sexual passion becoming destructive. The comparative 'better to marry than to burn' establishes marriage as morally licit alternative to sexual sin, not second-best but genuinely good. This counsel respects both human nature and God's redemptive provision.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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