1 Corinthians 7:24
So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
This is the third time Paul has said this thought in this paragraph (see vv. 17, 20). His specific subject is marriage. He remains hopeful that in a mixed marriage, the believing spouse will be a positive influence on the unbelieving one. The unbeliever may even come to faith in Christ because of the loving witness of the believer. Our faith should not be the cause of broken marriages but the healing balm that brings people closer together.
Often, it is more difficult to stay than to leave. To stay will require unconditional love, the love that Jesus gives us through the Holy Spirit. Our human love is often conditioned upon how the other person loves us in return. It is relatively easy to return love to someone who showers us with love in its many forms. But when that love is limited, selfish, distorted, or even not present, loving in return is extremely difficult. The source of strength for a believing spouse in such a situation can be the Holy Spirit, God’s strength within us to see our world in redemptive ways.
If we know of people who are in difficult marriages like this, we can pray for them and encourage them in appropriate ways. The strength of a brother or sister in Christ can be a tremendous support to such people. Generally, it is best to keep to the similar gender to avoid misguided love of the believing spouse to the one who is showing more love. Again, the love and holiness of God provide models for us.
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