Marriage and Divorce

“But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:8-11

In gospel of Mark, we find the Pharisees confronting Jesus over the issue of divorce. Even before He answered their question, He knew it was a trap. Roman rule gave full support of divorce as did the Jewish leaders.

While divorce was common, it was also controversial. No matter how Jesus answered, someone would be displeased. After a short exchange with temple officials, Christ went straight to the crux of the issue: “Because of your hardness of heart [Moses] wrote you this commandment [or allowed you to divorce]. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female....What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Mark 10:5-9).

The issue was not a certificate of divorce; it was the heart of mankind. God never wants us to face the hurt and loneliness of divorce. His perfect plan is for us to experience unhindered purity in love for one another. But our self-centered passions often win out, and God’s design for marriage is altered.

Only Jesus can heal the wounds of divorce. Only God can restore the innocent love we once knew. Won’t you bring your brokenness to Him? He heals the broken-hearted.

“It is not love that sustains marriage, but marriage that sustains love.” -Larry Christenson