"Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?
And He answered and said, Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning, made them male and female,
and said, For this reason a man shall leave his Father and Mother and be joined to his Wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."
Yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing the many divorces that occur these days. The point was made that often no one is aware that there are serious problems until a separation occurs.
I commented that if the problems weren't kept hidden perhaps others would be able to help.
Upon further thought, I realize that often there is not a lot of support for couples to stay together. If someone admits to having marital difficulties, sympathy and empathy might be expressed but not the importance of staying together. Seventy five years ago, marriage was understood as being permanent, but many don't believe this anymore.
7 comments:
True. It's just assumed the relationship is sunk once they've gone so far as to say the d-word.
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Thanks Pearl.
This December will be 33 years. We work at never taking it for granted everyday.
Hi Carol - How true about divorce. I always advise counseling and staying togather. Michele sent me by.
It is heartening to read about your commitment to marriage. Spread the word to those in trouble.
The nature of a marriage is in the permanence of the relationship, yes, but to always advise staying together might be ignoring something very important. I have a friend whose life was in danger from her husband. I have witnessed abusive relationships firsthand. I would say, yes, take marriage in all seriousness. But to sacrifice health and happiness for the sake of keeping a marriage together "no matter what" is folly, in my mind. And the women who are condemned for it hurt even more as a result.
Having said that, I do believe that a problem lies in the lightness some put on the relationship on entering. I think that, many times, people will ignore a lot of things in favor of a "happily ever after" fantasy. I also suspect there is a lack of knowledge of how to live and work together. Worse, a lack of respect. How can any relationship withstand a lack of respect?
There are many effective ways to approach these issues, from real education and understanding before the event to continual maintenance throughout. Taking marriage seriously is only one component of the actions involved.
Carol, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy your turkey.
Dear Moira,
Regarding your statement of abusive relationships, I agree that spousal abuse is a very real problem. I, for one, would never advocate that a woman remain in a dangerous situation, but still there is only one Biblical reason given for divorce and that is for fornication.
Jesus stated in Matt 19:8 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality (fornication), and marries another woman commits adultery."
His apostles were dismayed with His answer as are many this day.
This is one of the hardest Biblical teachings.
I would like to see everyone aware of what the Bible says about marriage, Christian or not. I encourage everyone to read the Words for themselves. What does it say?
Discussion is good. Thanks.
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