Marriage-Its Origin and Purpose

Conclusion of WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN A MARRIAGE

There may be valid reasons for a couple to separate. Extreme situations such as willful nonsupport, severe physical abuse, and the absolute endangerment of a Christian's spiritual life are reasons why some have chosen to do so. When there are serious problems, marriage mates should ask the elders for help.  These men have a lot of experience and can help a couple to apply God's counsel in their lives.  And when marriage mates ask Jehovah for his holy spirit, it can help them to apply Bible principles and to show Christian qualities. Galatians 5:22, 23. 

The Bible shows that there are good reasons for a couple to stay together even when one of the mates does not worship Jehovah.  (Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-14.)  The unbelieving mate is "sanctified" because of being married to a servant of God.  The couple's young children are  considered "holy" and are therefore under God's protection. Paul encouraged Christian mates: "Wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Or, husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife? " ( 1 Corinthians 7:16) There are many good examples of Christian husbands and wives who have helped  their mates to become servants of Jehovah. 

The apostle Peter counsels Christian wives to be in subjection to their husbands, "so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect."  Rather than speaking about her beliefs all the time, a wife may be more likely to help her husband accept the truth when she shows a "quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God."-1 Peter 3;1-4.

What if an unbelieving marriage mate chooses to separate?  The Bible says: "If the unbelieving one chooses to depart, let him depart; a brother or sister is not bound under such circumstances, but God has called you to peace."  (1 Corinthians 7:15) Although separation may bring some peace, the Christian mate is not free to remarry according to the Bible. But he does not have to try to force his mate to stay.  In time, the unbelieving mate may decide to return, wanting to restore the marriage. And in the future, the unbelieving mate may even become a servant of Jehovah. 

Next time: Marriage-Its Origins and Purpose/WHAT IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY IN MARRIAGE?

From The Watchtower magazine