The term "constrains" in the biblical context often refers to the compelling force or influence that directs or limits actions, thoughts, or feelings. It is a concept that appears in various forms throughout Scripture, illustrating the power of divine love, the Holy Spirit, or moral obligation to guide believers in their faith and conduct.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Love as a Constraining Force: One of the most notable uses of the concept of constraint is found in 2 Corinthians 5:14, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." . Here, the word "compels" is synonymous with "constrains," indicating that the love of Christ exerts a powerful influence over believers, urging them to live not for themselves but for Him who died and was raised again.

2. Moral and Ethical Constraint: The Bible often speaks of the moral and ethical constraints that guide the lives of believers. In Romans 7:6, Paul discusses how believers are released from the law's constraints through the Spirit: "But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." . This passage highlights the transition from the constraints of the law to the liberating guidance of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit acts as a constraining force, guiding and directing the actions of believers. In Acts 20:22, Paul speaks of being constrained by the Spirit: "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." . This demonstrates the Spirit's role in leading believers according to God's will, even into uncertain or challenging circumstances.

4. Constraining Power of Faith: Faith itself can act as a constraint, shaping the behavior and decisions of believers. Hebrews 11 provides numerous examples of individuals whose faith constrained them to act in obedience to God, despite facing trials and uncertainties. Their faith was a compelling force that directed their lives in accordance with God's promises.

Theological Implications

The concept of constraint in the Bible underscores the transformative power of divine influence in the life of a believer. It suggests that true freedom is found not in the absence of constraints but in being bound by the love and guidance of God. This divine constraint leads to a life of purpose, obedience, and alignment with God's will.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the concept of constraint is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. Recognizing the ways in which God's love, the Holy Spirit, and faith constrain and guide one's life can lead to a deeper commitment to living out the principles of the Christian faith. It encourages believers to yield to these divine influences, trusting that they lead to a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes.6693. tsuq -- to constrain, bring into straits, press upon
... root Definition to constrain, bring into straits, press upon NASB Word Usage bring
distress (1), constrains (1), distress (2), oppress (3), oppressor (2 ...
/hebrew/6693.htm - 6k

The Love that Constrains
... CORINTHIANS (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) THE LOVE THAT CONSTRAINS. 'The
love of Christ constraineth us.'"2 Corinthians 5:14. It ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

What, Then, Constrains You, what Excites You to Revile...
... Book I. 64 What, then, constrains you, what excites you to revile? What,
then, constrains you, what excites you to revile, to ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/64 what then constrains you.htm

After the Death of Procopius Valens Constrains those who Composed ...
... Book IV. Chapter VI."After the Death of Procopius Valens constrains those who
composed the Synod, and All Christians, to profess Arianism. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter vi after the death of.htm

Grace Abounding
... Some persons are very generous to their own relations, but here, again, they can
hardly be said to be free, because the tie of blood constrains them. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/grace abounding.htm

Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)
... TENT AND BUILDING. THE PATIENT WORKMAN. THE OLD HOUSE AND THE NEW. PLEASING CHRIST.
THE LOVE THAT CONSTRAINS. THE ENTREATIES OF GOD. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/

It is a Little Remarkable That, While Some Classes of Christians ...
... play there with their accustomed freedom. There is an awe upon our feelings
which constrains us. A sense, too, of the importance ...
/.../ware/hints on extemporaneous preaching/chapter i it is a.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ...
... The love of Christ, says he, constrains us, or, (as the word properly signifies,)
it bears us away with it, like a mighty torrent, which we are not able to ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ii of the nature.htm

1872-1874. Letter from Rev. AMW Christopher --Letter from Gulf of ...
... "Of all the works of Christian benevolence which the great love of Christ constrains
His servants to carry on, with which I have become personally acquainted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter v 1872-1874 letter from.htm

Of Indulgence and Pure Volition. The Question Illustrated.
... him to whom the indulgence is granted, it comes (as it were) from unwilling volition,
having experienced a producing cause of itself which constrains volition. ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter iii of indulgence and pure.htm

Believe Just Now
... It is thus that he brings them to feel both the greatness and the guilt of their
inability; and so constrains them to give up every hope of doing anything to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter ix believe just now.htm

Constrains (2 Occurrences)
...Constrains (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains
us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. (WEB DBY) ...
/c/constrains.htm - 6k

Compels (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus,
that one died for all, therefore all died. ... The spirit within me constrains me. ...
/c/compels.htm - 7k

Constraint (6 Occurrences)

/c/constraint.htm - 8k

Obligation (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a promise, contract,
oath, or vow, or of law; that which constitutes legal or moral duty. ...
/o/obligation.htm - 12k

Constrain (6 Occurrences)
... (ASV YLT). 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because
we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. ...
/c/constrain.htm - 9k

Constraining (1 Occurrence)

/c/constraining.htm - 6k

Died (348 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge
thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. (WEB ...
/d/died.htm - 34k

Judged (201 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of the Christ constrains us, having judged
this: that one died for all, then all have died; (DBY YLT). ...
/j/judged.htm - 35k

Judge (297 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY BBE DBY WBS). 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us;
because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. ...
/j/judge.htm - 46k

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