Saturday, April 8, 2017

On Divorce . . .

What is a Christian to do when their spouse is determined to leave them? Well, God hates divorce (Mal 2:6). However, He does not task us with our spouse's sins. We simply cannot make someone love us nor can we force them to live holy. So, we are not held to a marriage that our spouse chooses to leave. That's their choice, not ours. (1 Cor 7:15)

The biggest problem here is that many live for God's exceptions. They look for ways out of their commitment. They need to wake up and realize that God knows the heart. He sees when we use His word as an excuse for our sins. It angers Him, and puts us in danger of His wrath. There is a lot of suffering in such disobedience.

Where we can, we are to live at peace with each other. We are to keep our vows, and not take our commitment lightly. Can there come a time when divorce truly is warranted? Yes, but we must not seek it.

I am grieved by how many do take their vows lightly. At the first little inconvenience they believe they should be able to give up, and move on. Yet, there's no promise in Scripture that marriage will be easy or even convenient. After all, you married another human, didn't you? Well, the reality is that humanity is flawed. We are sinful by nature. Grace is of God.

Make certain that you do not seek divorce just because your marriage has become difficult. Do not seek it lightly. If you are wronged, give the erring spouse to the Lord. Can He not govern them? Surely He is more than able, but look first to yourself. All too often we blame another for what is really our own doing. Be patient and long suffering. Then if your spouse just must leave, let them go and trust God to deliver you.

Our society is far too comfortable with the "disposal" attitude when it comes to marriage, and people in general. We want to discard those that no longer suit us or don't fit into our plans. Our selfish hearts are calloused and greedy. One husband takes a wife he has kept at home for years and just throws her to the wind; and a wife abandons a husband who has worked a lifetime to please her for a younger man. It's insane, but it's what you get when self is your god.

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