Saturday, February 11, 2017

Christians and divorce

31“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’f 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32)

Thoughts: The Pharisees who were sticklers about little things (tithing mint and cummin) were too lenient about their marriage relationship.  A man could divorce his wife for any reason.  For Jesus, vows meant something.  His saying this was a safeguard to women.  But he also pointed out that there may be valid reasons for divorce, just not common and fickle reasons.  Paul added to adultery that when an unbelieving spouse leaves there could be a valid reason to divorce. Divorce is not God's intention.  It is not the intention of those who are getting married.  But it is also not the unforgivable sin.  Divorce, psychologists say, is one of the most stressful things for the spouses getting the divorce.  It is like a living death.  Some give up on love, on faith, and on hope- leaving them a shell of what they were.  One of the larger reasons for the decline of the church in America is the epidemic of sexual immorality and divorce. But it is when we are lowest that we need God and the help of His people the most.
But, what we often forget is how hard it is on the children if there are any in the relationship.  Not only are divorced parents more likely to be in poverty, but their children are too.  If the divorced spouse marries again, the children of the previous relationship are visible reminders of a previous love, and could easily be rejected.
    Studies show that sporadic church attendance and nominal belief does not shield from divorce.  But regularly reading the Bible, praying regularly, and regular church attendance,  makes a huge difference in preserving a marriage.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to value marriage and always have faith, hope, and love.  Help me to have mercy on those who are going through the stress of divorce.   

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