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1 Corinthians 7:39-40
The Apostle Paul has given his advice about marriage and of the sexual gift that is intended to be a blessing to the married couple. As he concludes this section of instruction for the congregation of the church at Corinth, he addresses the concern for marriage if the first marriage has ended because the husband or wife has died. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 7:39 (NKJV), “A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” We must keep in mind that this advice from Paul is as he best sees fit. In his opinion, everyone would be happier if marriage was only in spirit to God.
This is an example of the Apostle Paul’s instructions for the widow.
The Apostle Paul has brought to light some important questions that need to be addressed for the congregation of the Church. This advice is good for us today as well as for those in the congregation of the church at Corinth.
My aunt was one of the most God-blessed people I have ever met in my life. When her husband (who was one of the most God-blessed men I have ever met) passed away, it was many years before she found the courage to marry again. That man also died from a heart attack; the same way in which her first husband died. This has been one of the biggest mysteries of my life as this woman, in my opinion, was deserving of only the best blessings that God could give, yet she lost two good men in Christ Jesus. Her choice to remarry, in the opinion of the Apostle Paul, was not sinful, and I truly believe that her bond in marriage to each man was a blessing from God – the second was to a pastor who had also lost his first wife. I suppose the only thing to console one’s heart are the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:17, “But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.”
Dear LORD,
There are questions about life and death that we cannot answer, but we know that in life and in death You sent Your One and only Son to die for us all so that we may live forever with You in Your glory. Please help us to realize and understand that whatever challenges this life brings us, You have promised to be with us and help us through as we put and keep our focus and faith on You. In Jesus name I pray, amen.