Friday, April 17 ~ If the unbelieving one chooses to depart, let him depart.​—1 Cor. 7:15.

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 17

If the unbelieving one chooses to depart, let him depart.—1 Cor. 7:15.

 

In such a separation, the two are still marriage mates and, even though living apart, would still face challenges. The apostle Paul gave this reason for staying united: “The unbelieving husband is sanctified in relation to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in relation to the brother; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” (1 Cor. 7:14) Many loyal Christians have remained with an unbelieving mate under very trying circumstances. They can testify that doing so was worthwhile in a special sense when their mate became a true worshipper. (1 Cor. 7:16; 1 Pet. 3:1, 2) Worldwide today, the Christian congregation abounds with successful marriages. You can likely find many happy couples in your local congregation. They are made up of loyal brothers who love their wife and devoted wives who prove to be loving mates, all showing that marriage can be honorable.—Heb. 13:4. w18.12 14 ¶18-19

[Chris7]

1 Cor. 7:15.   Publications Index   w16.08 16-17;

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204336/72/0

Making Christian Marriage a Success“Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; . . . the wife should have deep respect for her husband.”—EPH. 5:33.

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 a sister is not bound under such circumstances, but God has called you to peace.” (1 Cor. 7:15) This does not mean that the Christian is now Scripturally free to remarry, but there is no obligation to try to force the unbelieving mate to remain. Separation may bring a measure of peace. And the Christian can hope that the departing mate will return with a willingness to work together in preserving the marriage and will eventually become a fellow believer.

[Chris7]

Why would a Christian remain in a troubled marriage?

.....

if the unbelieving one chooses to depart, let him depart........(don’t use force to stop them, think of the longer term goal) .... here is the goal...

16For wife, how do you know whether you will save your husband? Or, husband, how do you know whether you will save your wife?

[Chris7]

Sister Rosanne previously posted this related story......

"Every time I think of continuing to dwell with unbelieving mates

I am reminded of an experience I once heard about a Japanese sister.

Her unbelieving mate told her that if she went to the meeting, she would

no longer be welcome in their home.

 

She went to the meeting and when she came home she found a big box

sitting in the middle of their living room.  When she asked what the box

was for, her unbelieving mate told her she was leaving and that she

should put everything she wanted to take with her into the box.

 

Our sister said a quick prayer to Jehovah and then told her husband, "Okay.

Get in the box."

 

Her husband was so touched by this that he changed his mind and allowed her to stay.

 

That sister is a fine example of showing honor for Jehovah's marriage arrangement. "