1 Corinthians 7: Marriage

                Paul addresses the Corinthians and explains that; “…It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthian 7:1-2) Some will argue that Paul is teaching that being single and without sex is more pure than being married with sex. However, I don’t believe that is what Paul was teaching… but rather he was teaching that sex should only occur between a man and woman who are lawfully wedded.

It is interesting to note that Paul (an Apostle of the Lord) speaks of a man having a woman and a woman having a man. He speaks out against fornication, but rather stresses the importance of marriage between a man and a woman. Why? Because Marriage is important in the eyes of God; “…for it is better to marry than to burn.” (1 Corinthians 7:9)

Paul explains that marriage should not end in divorce, divorce should not be considered except in rare cases. Paul does stress that if a marriage starts to crumble that both the husband and the wife should; “…give yourself to fasting and prayer; and come together again…” (1 Corinthians 7:5)

Paul goes on to explain how the husband and the wife (working in equal partnership) should strengthen one another in the Faith of Jesus Christ. Not only should they both strengthen each other in Spiritual matters, but in all matters. Husbands and Wives should lean on each other and show their children a good example. “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.” (1 Corinthians 7:14)

Paul explains that it is wise to get married at a younger age, as to not commit sin. “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.” (1 Corinthians 7:28) Especially in today’s modern world, where sex is considered ok outside of marriage, it is important to not wait around to get married so as to not be tempted into sexual relations before marriage.

Paul ends by explaining why some people believe it is more pure to be single and without sex; “But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:33-34)

Here is the question; does being married mean you will care only for the things of the world? No, husbands and wives should bring each other sexual joy, along with friendship, and a loving relationship throughout all life and ETERNITY. But husbands and wives should also build one another up in everything from Spiritual matters, to education, work, physical well-being and emotional support.