City Life Starter

The Word: 1 Corinthians 7: 25-28

25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

By Blesson Selvanesan

Commentary: In this chapter, Paul offers his advice on being single and being married. He encourages everyone to maintain ‘status quo’ and serve the Lord and spare themselves from trouble. He instructs the unmarried virgins to stay unmarried, married one to stay married, widows and widowers not to seek to remarry. However, if they do choose to marry, it is not sinful or unacceptable before God. Paul is giving advice about living for believers.

Application: Paul advices Corinthian believers about many facets and facts of life. Paul’s deductions are based on his own life experiences and judgments and not to be mistaken as a command from God. It should be noted clearly that what Paul does here is to offer practical guidance and he is not imposing a divine doctrine. The ultimate aim of man should be to glorify God no matter what his or her marital status is. In this context, Paul urges believers to maintain themselves in such a way that will make them spend their time and efforts on godly things.

Seeking a wife or a husband (dating in today’s context), getting married, being married, getting separated from spouse either by death or divorce are major happenings in one’s life. These life-altering events are to be taken seriously and these decisions involve serious burdens. One needs to count the cost before getting into any change of relationship status. It is easy to idolize a particular stage of life, but every stage comes with its own burdens. Paul warns believers to think about the commitment and cost involved in the new relationship and how it will affect their relationship with God.

This is not a teaching against getting married. There are weird cults who will misquote these verses to restrict their members from getting married. Paul clearly states his intention and further says that if they do get married, they have not sinned. Marriage is an institution set up by God and is honorable. However, there are burdens to bear and there is a cost involved. It takes serious time and effort to get into the new equilibrium. Maintaining status quo is practically easier to live as we are used to the routines and expectations. This will give us more time and energy to focus on spiritual aspects of life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for this brand-new day. I want to thank you for the relationship status in which I am today. Help me to serve you where-ever I am and not to covet for a different status. Give us grace day by day and give us the strength to bear the burdens we do cross over into a new facet of life. You are the hub of all our relationships. In Jesus Name. Amen.