Definition and Usage:
The term "constraining" in a biblical context often refers to the act of compelling or urging someone to take a particular action. It can imply a strong persuasion or an inner compulsion that leads to a specific behavior or decision. In the Scriptures, constraining is sometimes associated with the work of the Holy Spirit or the influence of divine love that moves individuals to act according to God's will.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 : "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again."
· In this passage, the Apostle Paul speaks of being constrained by the love of Christ. The Greek word translated as "compels" or "constrains" (συνέχει) suggests a powerful force that drives believers to live not for themselves but for Christ. This constraining love is a central motivator for Christian service and self-sacrifice.

2. Acts 18:5 : "And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was consumed with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ."
· Here, the term "consumed" can be understood as a form of constraining. Paul felt an overwhelming compulsion to preach the Gospel, driven by the urgency of the message and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

3. Luke 24:29 : "But they urged Him, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.' So He went in to stay with them."
· The disciples on the road to Emmaus constrained Jesus to stay with them. Their urging was a heartfelt plea, demonstrating a deep desire for His presence and teaching.

Theological Implications:

· Divine Influence: Constraining often reflects the influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is not merely a human effort but a divine prompting that aligns one's actions with God's purposes. This can be seen in the way believers are moved to share the Gospel, serve others, or make sacrifices for the sake of Christ.

· Love as a Motivator: The love of Christ is a powerful constraining force. It transforms the believer's priorities and actions, leading them to live in a manner that honors God. This love is not passive but active, compelling believers to engage in the mission of the Church and the work of the Kingdom.

· Moral and Ethical Decisions: Constraining can also relate to the moral and ethical decisions that Christians face. The inner compulsion to do what is right, even in the face of opposition or difficulty, is often seen as the work of the Holy Spirit guiding the believer's conscience.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, the concept of being constrained or compelled was understood in various ways, often related to social obligations or legal requirements. However, in the biblical narrative, constraining takes on a spiritual dimension, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers.

Practical Application:

For contemporary Christians, understanding the concept of constraining can lead to a deeper awareness of how God's love and the Holy Spirit influence daily life. It encourages believers to be attentive to the ways they are being urged to act in accordance with their faith, whether through evangelism, acts of service, or personal holiness. Recognizing the constraining power of divine love can inspire a more committed and passionate pursuit of God's will.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Constrain.

Love Constraining to Obedience.
... V. DEDICATION and SURRENDER Hymn 62 Love constraining to obedience. William Cowper
8,6,8,6. Love constraining to obedience. No strength of nature can suffice. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 62 love constraining to.htm

If Power is the Sign of Life, what do we Learn from the Impotence ...
... If Power is the sign of life, what do we learn from the impotence of idols, for
good or evil, and the constraining power of Christ and of the Sign of the Cross ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 31 if power is.htm

The Love that Constrains
... I. Now the first thing to notice is this constraining love. ... II. Now let
me ask you to consider the echo of this constraining love. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... But I do not know any more strong and constraining persuasion to forsake sin,
than the consideration of the forgiving of it might yield. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm

'Constrained by the Word'
... II. And now note the 'constraining word.'. ... Well then, what about the masses of
so-called Christians who feel nothing of any such constraining force? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/constrained by the word.htm

The Gifts of the Present Christ
... These new influences, this revolution in my being, this healing, constraining,
cleansing touch, these calming, gladdening, elevating powers, these new hopes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the gifts of the present.htm

part 2
... As grace is more potent than law, as love is more constraining than fear, as the
Holy Spirit is more powerful than the flesh, so our obligations to tithe are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

The Epistle of the Same Phileas of Thmuis to Meletius, Bishop of ...
... For if, indeed, those with thee were constraining thee to this, and in their ignorance
were doing violence to ecclesiastical order, thou oughtest to have ...
/.../phileas/the writings of phileas/the epistle of the same.htm

Pride Catechized
... "So just to God, so safe for man,"". so consolatory to a wounded conscience, so
constraining to gratitude when that conscience has been pacified? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/pride catechized.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... bars. A single objective which absorbs the whole being and inflames the
entire man, is the properly constraining force in prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Constraining (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Constrain. Multi-Version
Concordance Constraining (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:11 and in ...
/c/constraining.htm - 6k

Obligate (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To place under moral or legal duty; to
hold by a constraining motive; as to obligate one to donate. ...
/o/obligate.htm - 7k

Faithful (136 Occurrences)
... fellowship and communion with God which is the very life of the soul; it is also
an active force which springs from "the love of Christ constraining us," and ...
/f/faithful.htm - 69k

Persecuting (14 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:11 and in every synagogue, often punishing them, I was constraining 'them'
to speak evil, being also exceedingly mad against them, I was also ...
/p/persecuting.htm - 10k

Constrains (2 Occurrences)

/c/constrains.htm - 6k

Constraineth (2 Occurrences)

/c/constraineth.htm - 7k

Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... fellowship and communion with God which is the very life of the soul; it is also
an active force which springs from "the love of Christ constraining us," and ...
/s/sayings.htm - 41k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... It is the love of Christ constraining them (2 Corinthians 5:14) in the ministry
of reconciliation, that they should entreat men as ambassadors on Christ's ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... It is the love of Christ constraining them (2 Corinthians 5:14) in the ministry
of reconciliation, that they should entreat men as ambassadors on Christ's ...
/c/corinthians.htm - 77k

Epistle (13 Occurrences)
... It is the love of Christ constraining them (2 Corinthians 5:14) in the ministry
of reconciliation, that they should entreat men as ambassadors on Christ's ...
/e/epistle.htm - 101k

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