When is being absent good?

Genesis 27:41-43From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.” But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you . . . Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran.”

Sometimes, we need to leave a violent or inflamed situation.

Genesis 39:10–12She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.

1 Thessalonians 5:22Stay away from every kind of evil.

2 Timothy 2:22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

At times, we may have to remove ourselves from tempting situations.

2 Samuel 11:6-11David . . . told Uriah, “Go on home and relax.” But Uriah didn’t go home . . . Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”

Proverbs 13:24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 23:22Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

1 Corinthians 7:4-5The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

At times, a higher duty may call for our absence from our families, but this shouldn’t become a way of life. God’s pattern for family success is personal presence.