Permitted only in the instance of adultery for an important spiritual reason, there are facts surrounding this social disease we need to be educated in to either avoid divorce, deal with it, or come to terms with it. So complex are the issues surrounding divorce, this page will be in constant review. This much may be found in The Word, and is therefore approved, that if an unbeliever wishes to leave the marriage relationship, the unbeliever may be allowed to do so by his or her partner.
The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians says this. “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is SANCTIFIED by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is SANCTIFIED by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Corinthians 7:12 to 18.
The following is also true.
Adultery is sin against God, and your partner. If a divorce results, then a broken vow exists, and both parties will continue to think of one another for the rest of their lives! New relationships will be affected by this increasing the risk of future relationship difficulties.
When children are involved, the judicial system and the prevailing law may complicate matters beyond any possibility of repairing relationships! Lawyers must not get involved, but be kept out of the picture. Unless the relationship situation experiences violence, gross exploitation, and or harrassment, it is best to resolve issues by communicating. Counsellors, WHO ARE REAL friends, are a much better option than lawyers!
It is very damaging for children to see or hear their parents fighting. If communications have broken down to result in shouting and strife, separation for a while would be mature, and considerate of the children’s need for security!
A humble and sincere apology can do wonders in a relationship, and to LISTEN is always better than to speak!
Before getting married, understand you are entering into covenant with your partner! Consider your vows that you will make, and never forget, once trust is broken in a relationship, you will spend the rest of your life trying to regain it! Moreover, you will not succeed in achieving it! Only in the most divinely ordained and exceptional circumstances will trust be regained after being broken! It is truly best to believe that once trust is broken, it is broken forever!
Lester Oliver Thomas Flock © 2022