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NASB | Matthew 19:9 "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 19:9 "I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." |
Subject: Divorce for no sexual life ever - OK? |
Bible Note: Dear Doc: Thank you for you reply. I think I need to make it clear I am not coming form a "situation Ethics" position. Perhaps we all are using our past exposure to abuse and suffering as a basis for our understanding of Scripture. I am not from a "Liberation Theology" perspective. However I do believe That Christ liberates us. I have spent time in the high altitude of Bolivia, in the city of La Paz. While there I saw the exploitation of women, that was the worst you can imagine. There too where older men who said they were Christians who used Scripture to justify their ac treatment of their brides. I will use discretion and hope you trust what I saw was heinous. Jesus did more for the elevation of women than we can gleam just from the casual reading of Scripture, which I believe you understand. In general, today in most of the world women have gained so little when compaired to the time of Christ. Specifically Africa, and in many Asian countries. I would also add in many isolated places in the US. Women are still treated as a merchandise, and sold as commodities into slavery. When we as Christian men devalue a woman and permit a man to seduce a woman into bondage, this I know is not compatable with Jesus teachings. Perhaps we too have become side tracked by if this is or is not a marriage. It comes to me that we only have te word of a concerned friend who asked for help. In reality the first answer needs to be a question, are these born again people? I know we have divorced persons in this forum. I surely do not want to make them feel more pain by suggestion that some sins can not be forgiven. The end results is still the same, and God forgives all sins the same way. I know of no one who does not bare the scars of sin. Does it not get down to that only God can offer any hope in this or any other marriage problem? Hardness of heart is sin. Much can be said to justify her feelings. I am know God is able heal this, but only when both are willing to seek His will for their lives. The reality is very few seek His will, and they will have a verl long road ahead that will be hurtful for a very long time. Our response needs to show our Christian love above all else. If she deceides to make the choice to stay, or to leave, her direction will be one that she can makes. Instead of debating how we understand Scripture, let us agree to pray for her and him. That's all we can do from this point on. Justme |