1 Corinthians 7:13
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
1 Corinthians 7:13
This verse mirrors the previous one in addressing spouses where one partner is unbelieving. The instruction is gentle: the believing spouse should not divorce the unbelieving partner if they are inclined to remain with them. The cultural backdrop includes pressure to separate from pagans or idol-worshiping spouses. Paul’s counsel is pragmatic and pastoral: maintain family unity for the sake of children and the potential for witness.
It highlights the sanctifying effect a Christian spouse can have on a marriage, reinforcing the broader biblical theme that God works through ordinary means—faithful domestic life—as part of the redemptive plan. It also protects the vulnerable believer from compulsion to forsake a marriage due to non-Christian status.
If you’re married to someone who isn’t yet a believer, continue in love and faithful presence. Don’t force doctrinal debates at home; instead, model the Gospel in your daily life. Seek community support, share your faith respectfully, and guard for unity. If possible, invite conversations about faith at natural times, not during tension or conflict. For families, sustain routines, prayer, and acts of service as a witness.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; 1 Peter 3:1-2; Deuteronomy 6:5-7