Divorce

    "It hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, cause her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced commiteth adultery" (Matthew 5:31-32).

                  Marriage is an institution as a union between one man and one woman which can only be dissolved by death.

                  Divorce is not just separation of two people who were married. No, it is very difficult to be comprehended if it should be seen in the way God sees it. It is the end of a marriage as declared by a court of law (Matthew 5:32).

A.      What is Divorce?

         Divorce is the legal or formal dissolution of a marriage. Marriage; of course, is the union between a man and woman as instituted by God.

         The First recorded marriage was in the Garden of Eden conducted by God Himself, and it was to this effect that a man in marriage becomes ONE flesh with his wife. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10; 7; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31) Here lies the problem on: How can one flesh (they become one in marriage) become two (In divorce)? Matthew 19:6

          Many today claim that all married people are not joined together by God, so that are free to marry the one God intended them to have. The fact is that God does recognize the marriage of all legally joined as man and wife and will hold them responsible for their vows (Romans 13:1-10).

B.      What does the Bible say About Divorce?

•     In the Old Testament, it happens that the law made provision for the separation of couples who could not stay married (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). It happens here that only man had the authority concerning divorce, but later, especially in Christian times, a woman had the right under certain circumstances. The question then was for what reason may one lawfully seek a divorce? Matthew 5:31-32, of an ancient Jewish divorce decrees, Mark 10:4. According to the Gospel (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-8; Luke 16:18).  Jesus explained that Moses made the concession for divorce in Deuteronomy 24, where adultery could be proved because of the "hardness of the people's heart" (Matthew 19:7-9).

• God instituted marriage from the very beginning and did not make provision for divorce (Matthew 19:4-6).

• God Hates divorce because it makes the one who is 'put away' or divorced and anyone who marries any of them to fall into the sin of adultery (Matthew 5:32; Malachi 2:16).

• An object to the divorce rule, however, can be seen in what can be described as WILLFUL – LEAVE WITHOUT INTENDING TO RETURN where an unbelieving partner breaks out of a marriage relationship (1 Corinthians 7:10-17).

            In such a case, the believing partner should resort to the authority of the church for counsel and a decision (Matthew 15:15-20).

C.      Causes of Divorce

1.   Marriage argument or quarrel and a matter that is difficult to deal with, that needs attention and thought (Genesis 16:4-6). 
2.  Childlessness in marriage.
3.   Excessive punishment, showing cruelty, not realizing or caring how other people feel and therefore likely to offend them. 
4.   Lack of submission on the part of the wife (Ephesians 5:22-24) and lack of practical love on the part of the husband (Ephesians 5:25-29). Wives are to submit to their husbands as the church to Christ.
5.  Recognize headship of husbands 
6.  Wives are to subject to husband and give reverence to their husbands. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ the church: Nourish, bring up, care for and protect their wives (Vs. 29; 6:4; Revelation 12:6).
7. To cherish, to foster, warm in one's bosom (Vs. 30-31; 1 Thessalonica 2:7)
8.  Husbands are to join their wives as one flesh (Vs. 31-32)
9. Leave parents for wives and cleave to the wives (Vs. 31; Matthew 19:5)
10.   Avoid extended family interference in marriages
11. Immaturity of either partner to be observed and overcome 
12.  Worldly ideas and standards of marriage

D.      The way-out

         Christian youth/singles should strive not to be unequally yoked in marriage with unbelievers, no matter the "Love" they have for such people (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Do not leave Christians and join with unbelievers, keep your own ranks. Righteousness cannot mix with lawlessness, light cannot have communion darkness. Christ and Belial cannot be of one Accord. Believers cannot have part with an infidel and there can be no agreement of the temple of God with idols.

•   Christian couples must allow the fear of God a place in their homes so that both partners can be subject to each other and treat each other right in the home (Ephesians 5:21-23).

• They must seek to understand each other and be considerate with one another in the home.

•   Christian couples must know that for them, there is NO DIVORCE OPTION for they have been joined together and are no longer two but one (Matthew 19:1-9)

There should be no secrets. Openness is very important (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31). Where there is no sin, there is no shame (Genesis 2:25).

            To understand what divorce is, how God feels about it and how we can prevent it.

            Since Christians are not at liberty to choose out of marriage then everyone must be careful in ensuring that they wait patiently for God's direction before going into marriage. When God leads, He sustains. Wait for God's time!