Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 12, 13; Luke 16.
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.” – Luke 16:18 (KJVS).
Divorce is simply legal dissolution of a marriage. It is a result of existence of irreconcilable differences between the partners. It has become rampant in the society these days but the word of God is quite clear on this. God says in Luke 16:18 (KJVS), “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”
God, the author of Marriage is quite clear on its purpose. In Genesis 2:24 (KJVS), the bible says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” The married couple is expected to work, play and do everything as one. Just like the tongue and teeth permanently work together though the teeth sometimes bite the tongue so is the couple expected to stick together. This is why marriage is not for children and also why believers are not expected to marry unbelievers. Because the author of marriage is God and if the couple do not agree on who that God is, they cannot navigate the marriage journey in unison.
It is important to note that God lays down the acceptable basis of divorce: one is sexual immorality. “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” – Matthew 5:32 (KJVS).
The second reason is stated by Apostle Paul as unbelief. One can divorce his spouse if he is an unbeliever and he willingly separates himself from the marriage: 1 Corinthians 7:15 (KJVS) states, “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases : but God hath called us to peace.” Even in these cases, God still enjoins the offended party to refrain from divorce as much as possible.
It’s therefore important that due caution be exercised before marriage. God is not an author of confusion. If He chooses your spouse for you, He will guide you through the challenges of the marriage. This is why it’s important that each intending couple should truly seek the face of God and get direction concerning the intended partner, before going ahead. While love at sight is not bad, the future and eternity are at stake and more important in choosing a life partner.
Prayer: Father, please still every raging storm in all Christian marriages all over the world in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero