To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Short translation—in Paul's carefully considered opinion, divorce is not an option available to the believing spouse. Apparently a frequent situation in Corinth and not so unusual in this day and age. However, the question often arises regarding an abusive spouse, and I, not the Lord, respond that there is nothing to forbid separation when necessary for the safety of spouse and children. Further, the church should make every effort to ensure the safety of the family and work to heal the abuser.

Morning: Psalm 40

Mid-day: 119:9-16

Evening: Psalm 115

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