What does "if he is willing to live with her" imply for believers? Setting the Scene “ And if a believing woman has an unbelieving husband, and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.” (1 Corinthians 7:13) Paul is addressing mixed marriages—one spouse has come to faith, the other remains an unbeliever. Rather than commanding separation, the Spirit through Paul gives a clear directive rooted in the permanence of the marriage covenant. Understanding the Phrase: “Willing to Live with Her” • A genuine consent to remain married—no threats of abandonment. • An acceptance of the believing spouse’s faith, even if not sharing it. • A recognition that ordinary marital life (shared home, intimacy, partnership) continues. • It does not require the unbeliever to embrace Christian practices; it only requires peaceful co-habitation. Implications for Believers Today • Stay in the marriage when the unbelieving spouse chooses to stay. • Honor the covenant because God joined the two together (Matthew 19:6). • Trust that the home remains a sphere of God’s working—“the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:14). • Model Christ’s love daily; your life may become the means God uses to draw your spouse (1 Peter 3:1-2). • Reject the notion that differing faiths automatically nullify the union—marriage still stands under God’s authority. • Embrace peace over contention: “If it is possible…live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). • Recognize the only biblically permitted exit here is if the unbeliever departs (1 Corinthians 7:15) or if sexual immorality breaks the bond (Matthew 5:32). Related Scriptures That Reinforce the Principle • Malachi 2:16—God hates divorce; He treasures covenant loyalty. • Ephesians 5:22-33—marriage reflects Christ and the church; dissolving it mars the picture. • 2 Corinthians 6:14—while believers should not knowingly enter unequal yokes, already-formed marriages are treated differently once the gospel reaches one spouse. • 1 Timothy 5:8—providing and caring for one’s household remains a godly duty, regardless of a spouse’s spiritual state. Practical Takeaways • Cultivate a home atmosphere where your spouse feels respected, not pressured. • Pray faithfully for your spouse’s salvation while entrusting timing to God. • Engage in church life without neglecting marital responsibilities. • Guard your heart: avoid resentment, knowing the Lord sees your faithfulness. • Seek counsel from mature believers if tensions rise, but keep divorce off the table unless Scripture explicitly allows it. |
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