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Jesus on Divorce
Matthew 5:31-32
Divorce
is a very real problem that affects most, if not all of us, in varying
degrees. It not only harms the two people directly involved but their
families and friends are hurt as well. Not only that but few problems
addressed in the church cause as much hard feelings among brethren as
divorce. Is it any wonder God has said, “I hate divorce” (Malachi
2:16)?
There is
much controversy concerning how Jesus’ teaching on divorce and
remarriage is to be understood and it is not the intent of this article
to engage in such a discussion. The fact is that many highly respected
Christian writers have taken on the task of explaining the Lord’s
doctrine on divorce and none of them agree completely on every point.
But what all honest men can agree on is that divorce was never a part of
God’s plan.
God’s
intention from the beginning was for a man and a woman to become “one
flesh” and this special union was meant to last a lifetime (Mark
10:6-9). Moses gave regulations regarding divorce because of hard
hearts (Matthew 19:7-8; Mark 10:4-5). Sadly, there are circumstances
under which a man and a woman feel they simply cannot continue to live
together as husband and wife and God allows certain provisions for these
tragic occasions.
Today,
though, it seems that many think no more of ending their marriage as
they do of trading in their old car for a new one. It is safe to say
that it is those with this approach Jesus had in mind when he said, “everyone
who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her
commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery”
(Matthew 5:32).
Marriage is to be honored and cherished. It
is not a union to be entered into lightly and neither should it be ended
without giving full consideration to the long reaching consequences of
such an action. Let each of us focus on what we can do to make our own
marriages stronger. Remember that love is not only a noun it is also a
verb; not just a feeling but also an action.
Thomas Sneed
Pond Church of Christ
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