Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

"But unto the married I give charge, [yea] not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife. But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her. And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us in peace. For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" — 1 Corinthians 7:10-16 (ASV)

Husband and wife must not separate for any reason other than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a divine institution and an engagement for life, by God's appointment.

We are bound, as far as it depends on us, to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18), and therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, even if they are unbelievers.

It should be the earnest endeavor of those who are married to make each other as comfortable and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife when there is an opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and work diligently for the conversion of your relative.

In every situation and relationship, the Lord has called us to peace; and everything should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness allow.