This post is part of my personal blog. It is not intended to be representative of any church or other organization I am associated with.
I recently had a lengthy discussion with some of my inner circle, a few of my most trusted friends, about failed and failing marriages, the obligations of the husbands and the wives involved in them, and the responsibility that their friends and family have toward them. In discussing divorce and remarriage, in light of both real and hypothetical situations, I found myself referring over and over again to the following passages, seeking an understanding of God’s expectations of those who are or have been married. I eventually made this chart for my own reference. I am trying to identify WHO is being talked about and WHAT is said about them, and I wanted it all in one place. It has been helpful to me. Maybe it will help you, too.
Every tragic situation is different. The Bible speaks broadly. One thing is still clear:
God expects us to obey him.
Marriage is tough. Whether we’re satisfied and happy or not, whether our goals align with our partner’s goals or not, whether we have irreconcilable differences or not, whether we feel passion or not, whether even our spouses follow Christ or not, God loves you. You are not alone, and you can trust him.
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Consider the prophet Malachi’s words to those who were putting away their spouses:
“You cover the altar of the LORD with tears,
With weeping and crying;
So He does not regard the offering anymore,
Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.
Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’
Because the LORD has been witness
Between you and the wife of your youth,
With whom you have dealt treacherously;
Yet she is your companion
And your wife by covenant.
But did He not make them one,
Having a remnant of the Spirit?
And why one?
He seeks godly offspring.
Therefore take heed to your spirit,
And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.
For the LORD God of Israel says
That He hates divorce,
‘For it covers one’s garment with violence,’
Says the LORD of hosts.
Therefore take heed to your spirit,
That you do not deal treacherously.”
For the context of these words in Malachi 2, check out this video:
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See also:
Matthew 14:3-5 & Mark 6:17-18
Deuteronomy 22:13-29 & John 8:1-11
Numbers 5:11-31
1 Corinthian 5
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