1 Corinthians 7.8-16: Stick With It!

Although being single for the LORD is a gift, it is often more of a situation we find ourselves in. Those who had been legitimately divorced or had lost their spouses, often served in the local church and were provided for. Paul in this section, addresses these women and encourages them to re-marry if they feel so inclined. Marriage is difficult for everyone but Christians have at hand the greatest resources to help them in their marriages: the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, the Christian community and the selfless example of Jesus. Even if our partner is not a Christian, we need to stick with the marriage so that they will see the example of Jesus in our lives. Paul therefore states that divorce should always be a last resort, only for sexual unfaithfulness or desertion by the other spouse. Nevertheless the path of forgiveness and patience is the better path to take.