1 CORINTHIANS 7
8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? – 1 Corinthians 7:8-16
1 CORINTHIANS 7 GOD’S VIEW ON MARRIAGE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
God instituted marriage between a man and a woman
No one can separate what God has put together
Even those who are married to an unbeliever
God has instructed them to stay in their marriage vows
The unbelieving spouse is blessed by the believer
They can be used by God to lead them to their salvation.
Paul guides the Corinthian church regarding God’s view on marriage. They must have been asking Paul many questions regarding marriage and staying single. The beginning verses of this chapter acknowledges their queries on marriage and staying single. The culture of the Corinthians is very carnal. Once they became Christians, they would naturally have lots of questions regarding the practices and mindsets they were used to.
Paul responds to their question regarding marriage and divorce in this letter. He reminded them how God instituted marriage and that they need to honor the marriage covenant.
REFLECTION
- Share insights on how God views marriage between unequally yoked couples.
