“My Marriage Is Improving”
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Jarrett C. writes:
This chapter about marriage (and a little help from the radio) saved my marriage.
My wife and I have 3 kids and recently moved to Denver, CO, for my job. Well, about a month ago, we got to the point where we were about to divorce because she would go out with friends and not come home all night. She was an exotic dancer at a full-nude strip club and would keep secrets from me about her emails and the phone calls she got from different men.
I was about to break down and just quit it all, looking for some happiness, when I was listening to a radio preacher talk about marriage and 1 Corinthians chapter 7. So I listened to him and went home to read it — and it changed my life, starting with my marriage.
I started reading the Bible, and I started telling my wife different things about what the Bible says about her lifestyle. She got totally angry with me and said, “That’s why I didn’t want you getting into the Bible, because I knew you were just going to Bible bash me and be arrogant about it!”
I thought that was the end, but at least I did what God instructed. Then two nights later, when my wife came to pick me up from work, she told me she broke off her relationships with these men I didn’t know because of the way they were acting toward her. And she told me that she gave her two week notice at her job.
Thank you, God, for working everything out in your way. Once we let go of it and send it to you, you are sure to take care of it.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on December 14th, 2007 and filed under Praise, Bible, Your Stories, Conversions, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Verses.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Wow, Jarrett, you showed tons of courage by talking with your wife about how you feel about her lifestyle. And you showed tons of trust in God. I’m inspired.
And I’m so glad that your marriage is starting to heal. I’m sure it’s not an easy road, but it sounds like you guys have taken some great steps.
Thanks for sharing so vulnerably, Jarrett. Blessings to you guys.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Dear Jarrett C. :
Blessed are your three precious children with our Lord’s timely intervention in their loving parents’ fold.
You have the patience of a saint despite your own hurts and pain.
Your message is so compelling and needed, indeed, in today’s world with so much spousal violence.
May your family bond continue to grow; and
May GOD ALL MIGHTY shower HIS infinite and inestimable blessings upon you and yours in your home sweet home, always and forevermore.
Mary Sun.