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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 88

"God has called us to peace."

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:15

WORST CASE SCENARIO

What happens when all attempts at reconciliation fails and the marriage cannot be saved? Paul had to give an answer to this awkward situation.

“But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart;
a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases.
But God has called us to peace.
For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?
Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?
1 Corinthians 7:15-16

1. Departure of an unbeliever

a) This presupposes that every effort has been made to save the marriage.
b) But at the end of all the efforts put in, the unbeliever chooses to depart.
c) The believer has this word from the Apostle Paul.
i) The unbeliever may depart.
ii) The marriage ends in a divorce.
iii) The ideal (of saving the marriage) is now shattered.
iv) The believer is not “under bondage” in this situation.

2. “God has called us to peace”

a) “Peace” is another important word to remember.
b) This word is to be understood as a contrast to the following:
i) Acrimony
ii) Hatred
c) Many divorces end up with bitterness on both sides.

3. How do you know?

a) This was a question Paul posed.
b) He addressed both the believing husband or wife.

4. Salvation as a great thing

a) The believing husband may yet lead his unbelieving wife to faith and salvation in Christ.
b) The believing wife may yet help her husband to faith and salvation in Christ.
c) This hope must not be lost; instead it ought to be borne in mind.

Thus, every marriage is in fact worth saving! Divorce would not lead anyone to salvation!