Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
1 Corinthians 7:1-16
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: 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. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband… But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
Learn About It
Paul addresses marriage, singleness, and relationships, giving biblical principles to help believers navigate these areas wisely. He teaches that marriage is honorable and provides protection against sexual sin. At the same time, he acknowledges that singleness is also good and allows for greater devotion to the Lord (v. 7-8).
One of the key themes in this passage is commitment and selflessness in marriage. Husbands and wives are to serve one another, not simply live for themselves. Paul reminds them that marriage is not just about personal happiness, but about honoring God and fulfilling their responsibilities toward one another.
Paul also speaks about mixed marriages, where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. He encourages believers not to leave their unbelieving spouse if the spouse is willing to remain in the marriage. However, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not under bondage and is called to live in peace.
Apply It to Me
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- Am I honoring God in my relationships, whether in singleness or marriage?
- If I am married, am I selflessly serving my spouse, or am I focused on my own needs?
- If I have unbelieving family members, am I showing them Christ through my love and patience?
Talk to God About It
Lord, thank You for the relationships You have placed in my life. Whether in singleness or marriage, help me to honor You and to serve others selflessly. Give me wisdom in how I love, communicate, and show grace. If I face challenges in my relationships, help me to pursue peace and glorify You in my actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
Think about one relationship in your life that needs more Christlike love and wisdom. This week, take a step to strengthen that relationship—whether through a kind word, a selfless act, or simply praying for the person.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.