How about those who just live together without marrying then after sometime separate? There is no record of divorce�
How about those whose marriage is not legally valid and after some time separate? There is no divorce as the supposed marriage is null and void from the beginning.
How about those married to abusive spouse that life is in constant danger? The home is the most dangerous place to be.
How about those who are separated and doesn't know where their spouse is, after this long absence, spouse remarried, then lost/missing spouse re appear?
How about those who live separate lives for years, communication is just for the sake of the children, are they not allowed to divorce and find a harmonious partner after the children are grown?
Getting married to the wrong person seems like a life sentence. Since one will never truly know the other person before they live together, the stake is too high.
My post was to draw attention to the absurdity of a legalistic view of divorce and re-marriage. The Bible sets a standard of marriage and divorce which is perfect; being from God one would expect no less. However as humans, we are not perfect. It is the job of the Law acting as a standard of perfection to show us our imperfection. None of us can meet every part of this high standard, each person has their own places where they have fallen short. For some it has been a divorce. You and I though we have never been married have our own places where we fall short.
This is why God instituted the New Covenant Because the Law can never bring life only death.
We are to be led by the Spirit, not by the Law, yet when it comes to divorce and re-marriage Christians seem to get all legalistic, looking for "loopholes and exceptions" when they are supposed go be following the Holy Spirit.
Just to clarify a bit more.I hear you saying its not about "following the rules" but about being led by the spirit. Are you saying the spirit may lead a person to remarry?
And if so, how would that go along with Matthew 5:32? Sorry, I think you have stated your view before, I just can't remember what it is. Do you think 5:32 prohibits remarriage?
In Matt chapters 5,6,and 7 Jesus is explaining the spirit of the Law and teaching against the legalistic keeping of it by the religious of His day. In the case of divorce He taught the spirit of the law was a person should not get divorced for just any reason, except for marital unfaithfullness.
So modern day Christians read this spiritual teaching and come away with a legalistic teaching...aaah,...human nature.
Consider:
Christians have turned this in to a automatic reason for divorce. If your spouse cheats, divorce them. Is this what Jesus taught? ..... No! The Holy Spirit could conceivably desire the opposite. You then find yourself in agreement with the Law but in disagreement with God. Hmmmm...
Next since Jesus is teaching on the spirit of the law and not on the law itself, do you think His short list of exceptions is all inclusive? Or was it to point out there are serious exceptions. If you say it was all inclusive then you have to say Jesus would approve of a woman who stays with her husband who is making pornographic films of their children and selling them on the internet.
In summary : Divorce in Jesus's time was just as abused as it is today. Jesus is teaching that is not the spirit of the law, you do not get divorced except for a very very serious reason.
I got divorced because my husband was having an affair. He'd met his "soulmate". I tried for well over a year, to no avail. He absolutely refused to give her up, to quit the very inappropriate relationship he had with her. Despite the wishes of her husband, their boss, myself, and a number of friends.
In no way did I view his affair as a "get out of jail free" card, even though our marriage was never what I'd consider a "good" marriage. It wasn't abusive, we got along okay, but we both felt "trapped". Still, I did work to make it work, to 'reconcile' (as it were).
For my children's sake, I wish I could be 'reconciled' to him, but he is not a believer, nor is he willing to forsake his now-friendship with her.
I say this to agree with your point, TwoSparrows - this clause can be (and often is) misused. But it is also on occasion valid.
Both of which those 'options' are still sin. That just digs a deeper hole. You should be spending days and nights seeking God for His guidance. Jesus Christ and Him only is The Answer.
*** Is it bigger than the eye of the needle that the camel cant fit through ?...:glow:...
I've been married & divorced twice...Jesus has made it clear that Father GOD hates divorce...if marryin again for a third time & be happy & blessed in the marriage is my biggest Sin to worry bout...I guess I'd be Sinner ifin I didnt ask GOD to forgive me...Right ???...xo
