Central Truth

Paul affirms the marriage commitment. God's ideal is for marriages to stay together-- even when one spouse is not a believer.

Reflections

This passage talks about singleness, widowhood, and Christian marriage. Paul first addresses unmarrieds and widows in verses 8-9. Paul then addresses Christians married to one another in verses 10-11. Please get advice from your pastor about these verses. I don't want to touch these with a ten foot pole! But seek reconciliation with all God's might.

Next, Paul addresses Christians married to non-Christians in verses 12-13. (I will attempt to address this with a one foot pole.) Paul affirms that the same principle should operate in a believer-unbeliever marriage as in a marriage of two Christians: as a rule, no divorce. Basically, verse 14 says that divorce is to be avoided, because the Christian spouse is a channel of God's grace in the marriage. The blessings that flow to believers don't stop there but extend to others also. God regards the marriage as "sanctified" (set apart for His use) by the presence of one Christian spouse. The other does not receive salvation automatically, but is helped by this relationship. The children of such a marriage are to be regarded as "holy" (because of God's blessing on the family unit) until they are old enough to decide for themselves. It is in this sense that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified and the children are holy.

Verse 15 can be misused as a loophole to get out of marriage (see your pastor). But Paul's statements were given to encourage the Christian spouse to try to get along with the unbeliever and make the marriage work. It is important for the Christian spouse to preserve the marriage union and live in peace with the non-believer. In verse 16, Paul states that God might even use the Christian mate as a channel of blessing, leading ultimately to the point where the unbelieving spouse would believe the message of the Cross and experience salvation.

As I finish this devotion, I think about those marriages where there has been unfaithfulness, like adultery and abuse. Please seek advice from your pastor or a Christian counselor for these kinds of situations. Protection and safety are important too!

Discussion Questions

1. This week, how will you change YOURSELF (not your spouse) to strengthen your marriage?
2. What will you do this week to clearly show your love to your spouse? A note? A date? Take care of the kids? Encouraging words? Prayer together? Make amends? What is it for you? Will you do it? What action on your part will help your mate feel very loved by you?
3. Are you experiencing a lack of love for your spouse these days? Do you need to do some talking with your spouse to work on issues? Marriage is a life long process of love, acceptance, and communication. Will you persevere, trust your marriage to God, and get help if necessarry?