but if she should actually depart, let her remain unmarried or else make up again with her husband; and a husband should not leave his wife.

1 Cor. 7:10-16

14, 15. When might a Christian spouse consider actually departing, but why is prayerful and honest consideration important?

¹⁴ Under what circumstances might a Christian wife “actually depart”? Some have chosen to separate because of a mate’s willful nonsupport. Others have done so because of extreme physical abuse or the absolute endangerment of a Christian’s spirituality.

¹⁵ Whether to depart or not is a personal decision. However, the baptized mate ought to give this matter prayerful and honest consideration. For example, has the unbeliever been totally responsible for the endangerment of spirituality, or has the Christian been negligent about Bible study, inconsistent in meeting attendance, and irregular in the ministry?