Bible Question: I'm sorry I guess I did just tell details: In First Corr 7:10-11 is the command from the Lord in effect in my case. Is there biblical grounds for my wife not to divorce me? Also, in my situation, is she correct to divorce me based on Matt 5:31-32? Why do both of these scriptures seem to only talk about a wife committing adultery as a ground for divorce and not if the husband commits the sin? |
Bible Answer: Dear Mark, The passage in Matthew had to do with a question regarding a writ of divorcement that was a means by which a man could divorce his wife as provided in Deut 24:1-4. The document was to protect the wife, who would have otherwise been unable to have been otherwise destitute. It was a statement of her innocence. In the passage in 1 Cor 7, Paul is addressing an issue that was only pertient because of the influence of gentile practices. (Jewish law made no provision for a wife to leave her husband.) A woman whose husband has violated the marriage vows has valid Biblical grounds for divorcing her husband. No fault will rest with such a woman for doing so. Of course, if the woman is a believer, she must forgive her husband, since the command to forgive is without exception. The behavior of the man in such a situation, if he is a believer, is the same regardless. He must live in complete compliance to his vows, until the wife remarries or passes away. The consequences of sin are always far more damaging, far more costly, and far harder to recover from than we imagine. As one of my professors says it, "Remember, sin isn't just out to hurt you... it is out to kill you!" This forum is not a place where we can offer counsel and advice. We are devoted to the study of the Bible. That said, I'm sorry I can't offer more encouragement for you. You might do very well to take the course at www.settingcaptivesfree.com It will help you to understand what is required of us in a walk of holiness. We are obligated and required to so walk, even if God does not choose to restore the things we've lost through sin. In Him, Doc |