God Hates Divorce

Divorce hurts.

I hope that is not something that surprises you.  Divorce has far reaching consequences that affect not just the couple, but everyone connected to them.  Children, parents, friends, family, co-workers and church members all feel the painful sting of divorce.  It disrupts relationships as people struggle to deal with the new dynamics at play.

In a divorce, no one wins.  Everyone loses.  No one comes out unscathed from the marriage.

Likewise, divorce is not a solution for marriage.  Solutions mean that two people come to a conclusion that improves the situation.  Divorce doesn't improve the marriage or the relationship; it just ends it.  An end is not a solution.  It is an end.

It is no wonder that God hates divorce.  Yes, you read that right.  God hates divorce.  Don't believe me?  Look up Malachi 2:10-16.  In that passage of scripture, God is angry at the Jewish people.  They have divorced their Jewish wives - whom they married very young - and remarried non-Jewish, idol-worshiping wives.  As a result, God is angry with them.  He's angry at their turning to other gods, but he's also angry that they tossed away their wedding vows.

God considers marriage a covenant, between a man and a woman, witnessed by the Lord. As that witness, he is angry when we choose to end marriage. It means we chose not to keep our vows and cheapen his name.  God is very protective of his name.

So know, that yes, divorce is a sin.  Scripture only lists three reasons for the end of a marriage - death, sexual sin and abandonment.  To end the marriage in any other way or fashion is a sin.

Now, like all sins, it can be forgiven. You must repent and seek forgiveness, and God, through Jesus, promises grace and forgiveness.  Will their still be pain and regret?  Sure.  Will you be forgiven and right with God? Yes.  God loves and forgives.

But it's also a warning.  We must take our marriages seriously because God takes them seriously.  If we are to honor God, we must do so in every way.  So choose wisely your mate and work to keep marriages strong and healthy.

Because God hates divorce.

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