Episode #3: 1 Christopher - Chapter 3 - the wife's concern

Jan,15 2026

<-#2: 1 Christopher 2 - Prayers, drought and work#4: 1 Christopher - Chapter 4 - Authority ->

Concerning the wife's concern, and the freedom to draw near or apart

3:1

Now my wife observed that I often went to the field,

and that I spoke with a man

whom the village did not claim as its own.

3:2

And she was uneasy,

for she said,

"He is an outsider,

and his ways are not our ways."

3:3

She feared for our name,

and for the peace of our household,

and for the talk of others.

3:4

So she came with me one day,

not seeking wisdom,

but answers.

3:5

And she said to Christopher,

"My husband spends his time with you.

Why do you draw him away from his home?"

3:6

Christopher did not raise his voice,

nor did he defend himself.

3:7

He answered her,

"I have not drawn him.

He came of his own will."

3:8

Then she said,

"Yet you welcome him,

and your presence unsettles me."

3:9

And Christopher said,

"That is a thing I must honor."

3:10

"For though we are all children of God,

we are not commanded

to be present to all."

3:11

"God gave us free will,

and this includes the will to avoid,

to step back,

and to keep one's peace."

3:12

Then he said to her,

"If my company troubles you,

I will not seek you out."

3:13

"For respect is also a form of love,

and silence may be an act of kindness."

3:14

She said,

"Do you not wish to teach me as well?"

3:15

And Christopher answered,

"Wisdom offered without welcome

becomes intrusion."

3:16

"Fear not, sister," he said,

"If you avoid me,

I will honor that."

3:17

"But if one day you seek my counsel,

I will not remember your distance against you."

3:18

"For I will be there for you,

as I will be for all my brothers and sisters,

without bitterness and without demand."

3:19

She was silent at this,

for she had expected argument,

not release.

3:20

And I perceived that Christopher did not gather followers,

nor bind hearts to himself.

3:21

For he desired no loyalty

that was not freely given.

3:22

My wife returned home with me,

and though she did not follow him,

she no longer feared him.

3:23

And I understood that righteousness

does not press itself upon others,

but waits.

3:24

Thus I learned that brotherhood is not possession,

and sisterhood is not obligation.

3:25

And that God, who grants free will,

is honored most

when we respect it in one another.

<-#2: 1 Christopher 2 - Prayers, drought and work#4: 1 Christopher - Chapter 4 - Authority ->