Bible Question: What if both parties want a divorce - isn't that abandonment by both? Also what if one spouse has a problem with anger that doesn't improve? Why is it that God would force you to remain in a relationship that doesn't reflect Christ and the church? |
Bible Answer: This line of reasoning is best described as self-serving; no offense. Your asking the wrong question. The right question is; on what grounds does God allow for divorce. Even if that line has been crossed, do you serve God by divorcing? Do you "reflect" the character of Christ by divorcing, or by forgiving? To argue that both husband and wife "wanting" divorce equates to abandonment by both is not supported by Scripture. It would equate to abandonment of your vows and commitment to God; otherwise referred to as sin. As for the issue of anger, that too is sin if unrighteousness is practiced as a result. Anger is a God given emotion and subject to both your will and His. What do you do with that? Why would God "force you to remain in a relationship that doesn't reflect Christ and the church?" He wouldn't. He didn't force you to get married either. But now that you are, you are called by God's word to force yourself to remain in the relationship. That's your first step back in the direction of honoring God and your life-long vows to your spouse. As for the relationship not reflecting Christ and the church; change it. Trust God and allow Him to work in your marriage so that it does reflect His will and character. If you search the Scripture endlessly, you will not find where divorce is acceptable because your and your spouses behavior do not reflect Christ and the church. What you will find is the command to obedience to Him and His word. When you both focus on that, the marriage will begin to reflect God's intentions for one of His most sacred institutions. I hope you are not offended. My intention was to be blunt and to the point. Why? Because often these kinds of questions are asked in hopes of getting the answer we want. God bless, Jeff |