1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
These verses speak directly to the rising divorce problem in the USA. Divorce is not in God’s plan for marriages. The reasons for divorce or varied and complex. Often the problem can be boiled down to self. One or both of the couples have lived for themselves instead of showing Christ-like unconditional love. Should Christians divorce? No, but seek reconciliation. There may be times when a separation is necessary, such as abuse or neglect. Paul is optimistic that Christian marriages can be restored. It may take time. It will probably take forgiveness and repentance, first to God and then to the other person. Paul puts wives and husbands on the same level; one is not more special or privileged than the other. What is the answer to a strong marriage? It is having the mind of Christ, which is an attitude of love. How can there be marital problems if people are living by ch. 13, the love chapter? The closer we get to Christ and take on His characteristics, the closer we will get to our spouse.
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