If you are reading this . . . chances are you are going through a very difficult time in your marriage. Perhaps you are reading this because you feel as though you and your spouse have grown apart. Maybe you feel like you are too different . . . or maybe you simply feel as though your partner doesn’t love you anymore. Or perhaps the situation is worse and you have found out that your partner has been unfaithful to you. No matter what the situation if you are wondering what does the Bible say about divorce . . . you must be feeling pretty desperate . . . and more so . . . very alone.
So first and foremost, it is important to know that you are not alone. God is with you always . . . guiding you when you feel you have lost your way, carrying you when you your feet can walk no more and holding you when you simply need someone to care. He whispers to you even when you don’t know it. He is working behind the scenes to better your life, fill you to overflowing and bring you just what you need . . . exactly when you need it.
If you need to find out what does the Bible say about divorce please read on to find some much needed answers for the here and now . . . if you need more information read your Bible, if you need answers quickly consider using online Bible sites that allow you to search for keywords and even ask questions. Christian counselors, pastors and trusted elders are also great resources for saving your marriage or deciding when it is Biblical to call it quits and move on.
Praying and Hearing God’s Voice
In all circumstances, the best thing to do is pray. While many people can give you advice . . . no one gives better advice than the Father. However, when you are very upset it can sometimes be difficult to feel as though you know what God is saying. This is tricky . . . because other spirits can ‘mimic’ God . . . even your own feelings can drown out His voice. In this case remember that God will NEVER tell you to do, say or think something that is NOT in line with His word.
If you can, ask others to pray with you as well. Maybe you can set up a time and day of the week to pray in your respective houses or workplaces. This will help you feel a sense of community and also create a great prayer chain for making miracles happen!
When to
Forgive
While the Bible does say that we have an ‘out’ if our partner is sexually unfaithful . . . the choice is really left up to the wronged spouse. (Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery (Mark 10:11-12).
I believe that God is always in the business of reconciliation . . . considering that the spouse is willing to STOP the behavior.
In the book of Peter Jesus says we should forgive up to ‘70 times 7’ times . . . as you can gather, if you are being repeatedly harmed by the behavior and your spouse refuses to change, forgiveness can be different than forgetting. You can forgive someone and move on. But every situation is different. In this case, it would be beneficial to speak with a Christian counselor, pastor or trusted elder.
What If?
‘the LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.’ Jeremiah 31:3
Perhaps none of the above situations have fit your life. Maybe you have already filed for divorce and are having second thoughts or perhaps you have been divorced for many years for reasons other than adultery and you are feeling as though God cannot forgive you for leaving your spouse. In this case, I want you to know . . . that we serve a God full of grace. He loves you ALL the time’ . . . and there is nothing His blood and forgiveness cannot erase. There’s nothing that can turn Him from you. While He may not always love our behavior . . . He ALWAYS loves us . . . no exceptions.
We are glad you took the time to explore the Bible further. If you are doing so it is clear that you care about your marriage and most importantly, you care about God’s will for your life. As you journey through this difficult time may you know that you are not alone . . . and be assured of the prayers of Christians everywhere that through it all you will know even when it’s raining . . . He still reigns.’ ‘
