Divorce is very common nowadays, even with Christians. Divorce becomes an easy way out when a couple does not like to be married anymore or to escape from difficulty. Divorce is a legal law term to dissolve a marriage license that allows a couple to be single again. Divorce may be acceptable in today's society, but God remains the same. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Matthew 19:6 says, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." The reason God hates divorce is because of its consequences. It hurts many people emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Divorce is a result of sin, and many divorce happens because of selfishness. Spouses never learn to give up their comfort zone or rights to love someone. They never learned to love sacrificially. Marriage is life-giving, not for selfish ambition. Marriage is based on love and respect between spouses. If marriage is only based on physical or sexual attraction, the marriage may not last because when those attractions are gone because of age or medical challenges, the marriage will fall apart. Marriage is not based on feelings but on commitment. We love our spouse for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.
Divorce has three exemptions that may allow it. The first exemption is infidelity, where a spouse commits a sexual relationship with another person outside the marriage (Matthew 5:3). God commanded us to protect our marriage bed at all costs (Hebrews 13:4). The second exemption is when a spouse who does not believe in the Lord Jesus decides to walk away from marriage, the spouse can walk away (1 Corinthians 7:15). Many Christians marry non-believers thinking that they can change their spouse, but the truth of the matter is that God is the only one who can change hearts. Marriage suffers because they have different beliefs in God. The third exemption is violence and abuse. If one of the spouses is threatened physically, emotionally, and mentally, the abused spouse is obligated to find a safe place, especially when children are involved. It is against the law to abuse a spouse. Abuse is common when there is excessive alcohol and drugs used. It is also common when there are always impulsive anger outbursts or aggression.
Marriage is wonderful when our Lord Jesus is the foundation of our relationship. We will have challenges, but our Lord Jesus is there for us to help us navigate through marriage challenges. Marriage is a lifetime commitment to love and respect someone and not an in-and-out or temporary commitment.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). What makes a marriage successful? If I am married, how is my marriage doing? What can I do to improve it?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I pray that you will continue to make me a better spouse. Please help me to fight for my marriage. I pray for the married couples who are struggling right now with their marriage. Please help them to reconcile emotionally and spiritually. Please guide them to communicate well and work together to fight for their marriage. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.