Unbelieving spouses

[The Librarian]

Dear Librarian,

Why is it that my unbelieving spouse is pronounced "holy" if I behave and act as a true Christian?

Or is that just for the anointed ones?

[Sarah gibson]

We are joined together as one flesh we set agood example in doing things gods way and maybe we can win our partners over without a word. All things are possible with God

[Melinda Mills]

*** it-1 p. 1131 Holiness ***

Holiness blessed by Jehovah. Holiness on a person’s part carries with it merit from God in the individual’s family relationship. Thus, if a married person is a Christian, holy to God, this one’s mate and the children of the union, if not themselves dedicated servants of God, benefit from the merit of the one who is holy. For this reason the apostle recommends: “If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and yet she is agreeable to dwelling with him, let him not leave her; and a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and yet he is agreeable to dwelling with her, let her not leave her husband. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in relation to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in relation to the brother; otherwise, your children would really be unclean, but now they are holy.” (1Co 7:12-14) The clean, believing mate is therefore not unclean by relations with the unbelieving mate, and the family as a unit is not viewed by God as unclean. Furthermore, the association of the believer with the family provides any unbelievers therein the finest of opportunities to become believers, to make over their personalities, and to present their bodies “a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God.” (Ro 12:1; Col 3:9, 10) In the clean, holy atmosphere that the believer serving God can promote, the family is blessed

 

*** it-1 p. 342 Blessing ***

Being a Blessing to Others. A person can be a blessing to his fellowman by following a course of obedience to God. The association of such ones whom Jehovah blesses brings blessings to others. Laban was blessed because Jacob kept his flocks. (Ge 30:27, 30) Potiphar’s household and field prospered because of Joseph’s oversight. (Ge 39:5) The presence of ten righteous citizens could have caused God to spare Sodom. (Ge 18:32) The dedicated servant of God can bring God’s favorable consideration to an unbelieving mate and their young children. (1Co 7:14)