Love is not only a FEELING...It is a CHOICE!
How would you rate your marriage if you are in one?
What can I do to save my marriage and make it
stronger while I am still in it?
And what to consider before I get involved in a marriage?
When discussing what the Bible says about divorce, it is very important to keep in mind the words from: Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the Lord God.”
Even though the Bible gives the possibly for divorce, it does not mean God desires a divorce to occur in every situation. Instead of asking “What are the grounds for divorce?” the question should be “What are the grounds for forgiveness, restoration, and/or counseling?”
In the Bible it says that there are 2 grounds for divorce:
#1)- For sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)
#2- For abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:15)
Divorce is not required or even encouraged. The most that can be said is that sexual immorality and abandonment are grounds (an allowance) for divorce. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration are always the first steps. Divorce should only be viewed as a very last resort.
It is extremely dangerous to go beyond what the Bible says (1 Corinthians 4:6). The most common additional grounds for divorce that people try to exercise are spousal abuse (emotional or physical), child abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), addiction to pornography, drug / alcohol use, crime / imprisonment, and irresponsible use of money (such as a gambling addiction). None of these can be claimed to be truly biblical grounds for a divorce.
Try to understand, that by saying the above are not biblical grounds for divorce, we are certainly not saying that a man/woman whose spouse is practicing such activities should remain in the situation. If there is any risk to self or children, separation is a good and appropriate step.
In summary, what are the biblical grounds for divorce? The answer is sexual immorality and abandonment. But are there additional grounds for divorce beyond these two? Possibly. Is divorce ever to be treated lightly or used as the first recourse? Definitely not. God is capable of healing and renewing any marriage no matter how difficult that things have gotten. Divorce should only occur in cases of repeated and unrepentant heinous sin.
Divorce has been around at least as far back as the time of Jesus Christ. God hates divorce & so do I. It does so much damage to each person and children that it seems so hard to phantom. All the family members and friends are affected and it tears and rips right through the hearts of everyone involved just like a tornado when it totally destroys an entire neighborhood.
For divorce is like the tearing apart of 2 that became 1. The pain and scares may fade in time to a degree, but it will always be there deep down inside.
1~ If you are in a Struggling marriage to go to God in prayer for help. Examine your part in the situation and work on that, not point the finger at your spouse.
2~ If you are Single take your time to make sure you are ready for marriage & that you and your partner take marriage very seriously and that is for life. No option for divorce or don't say I do, if you mean I hope so.
3~ If you are Married treat your spouse the way you did when you were dating and not take your spouse for granted. If you do not work at your marriage it opens a door for Satan to get in and do damage.
If you would like some support concerning your marriage, please email our prayer team and I will pray for you and help you any way we can. God permitted divorce "Because of the Hardness of their Hearts," ...so there were people way back then too who weren't willing to work through the hard times to healing.
There will be hard times to work through, yet, it will be worth the effort,
ask God for wisdom, patience, humility and love.
But always keep in mind what God says in Malachi 2:16
"I hate divorce," says the LORD
Learn how to be in a healthy marriage?
Malachi 2:16
"I hate divorce," says the LORD
Pastor Jill Briscoe talks about forgiveness.
NeedEncouragement.com
"MARRIAGE
AND DIVORCE"
Click on couple for a wonderful message!
How can we Encourage you today?
Call Anytime
24 hours a day
414-541-HELP (4357)
For pre- recorded messages of Encouragement...
or call
1-800-633-3446
"If you are married, stay married...If you are single do not rush into marriage.
Marriage is a blessing from God.
