Thank you for your insight. I, too, have struggled with the decision of whether or not to divorce. I have come to some conclusions, though neither am I a theologian or Biblical Scholar. I attended a women's seminar on marriage (Christian based) this spring, and have studied with several groups about marriage. NOTE: I did not study DIVORCE, but MARRIAGE.
As for the adultery reason, I think the original term translated "fornication", which in Biblical times covered a wide variety of things besides adultery: drunkeness, missmanagement of the household and finances, not providing for ones family, being abusive. The resulting punishment for any of these things was death-usually by stoning. Thus, the innocent party was released from the marriage by death. We don't stone people any more. But God is watching over us none the less...
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”1 Corinthians 7:15 After over 32 years of marriage, this is the one that helped me survive the past year of separation. I was the one that physically moved out...after hubby told me this marriage had been over for at least 7 years and that I just didn't want to admit it. He "left" this marriage- emotionally-a long time ago. He just told me last week he doesn't care about anybody or anything any more except pur son and our grandchildren. This verse says "...let him go." That is not a question, not an option. That is a command from God. As an unbeliever, he can walk away and the marriage is as if it never was in God's eyes, because he doesn't believe in God in his heart. I feel obligated to do everything possible to lead hubby to God, and to live in harmony with him. When hubby asked what I wanted a year ago I told him I just want peace in my own home. He doesn't think that is possible. Of course, his mistress meth is a major factor, but he doesn't think so.
My God will forgive me anything if I go to Him with a humble heart and in repentence. My God knows I have struggled to save this marriage. ONE person cannot save a marriage, it takes two. My God knows how much I love that man, how hard I tried to save the marriage, and how heartbroken I have been. As the last year played out, I found I prayed more and more, and the prayers kept changing in tone. I started out praying for God to save this marriage. Perhaps it wasn't ever meant to be as hubby is a nonbeliever. Now, I still pray for hubby, but am at peace that we will probably eventually divorce. God has wrapped His arms around me and lifted the burden from my heart. I know God's will WILL be done, in His time, not mine. God knows I believe He will do what He says He will do. And, God knows I still believe strongly in marriage. I have not been with any man, in any sense of the word, for over a year. But I believe if I am meant to, a good Christian man will come into my life, and together we will work for God's Glory in God's Kingdom.
I believe God will take care of me, but I'm not going to "play in traffic", or live with a man I have become afraid of. The last year of living alone has also helped me grow in faith. Not only is He my Savior, He has become my Best Friend. I hope others struggling with this issue can find the faith and peace that I have in knowing God, and trusting Him to work in my life, that I may grow closer to Him.
Thanks for sharing.
I responded to that thread when it first started, but haven't followed it for awhile.
What I commend you for is helping other folks save their marriages and helping other folks who are divorcing -- way to go!!!!
M
Thank you for your insight. I, too, have struggled with the decision of whether or not to divorce. I have come to some conclusions, though neither am I a theologian or Biblical Scholar. I attended a women's seminar on marriage (Christian based) this spring, and have studied with several groups about marriage. NOTE: I did not study DIVORCE, but MARRIAGE.
As for the adultery reason, I think the original term translated "fornication", which in Biblical times covered a wide variety of things besides adultery: drunkeness, missmanagement of the household and finances, not providing for ones family, being abusive. The resulting punishment for any of these things was death-usually by stoning. Thus, the innocent party was released from the marriage by death. We don't stone people any more. But God is watching over us none the less...
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”1 Corinthians 7:15
After over 32 years of marriage, this is the one that helped me survive the past year of separation. I was the one that physically moved out...after hubby told me this marriage had been over for at least 7 years and that I just didn't want to admit it. He "left" this marriage- emotionally-a long time ago. He just told me last week he doesn't care about anybody or anything any more except pur son and our grandchildren. This verse says "...let him go." That is not a question, not an option. That is a command from God. As an unbeliever, he can walk away and the marriage is as if it never was in God's eyes, because he doesn't believe in God in his heart. I feel obligated to do everything possible to lead hubby to God, and to live in harmony with him. When hubby asked what I wanted a year ago I told him I just want peace in my own home. He doesn't think that is possible. Of course, his mistress meth is a major factor, but he doesn't think so.
My God will forgive me anything if I go to Him with a humble heart and in repentence. My God knows I have struggled to save this marriage. ONE person cannot save a marriage, it takes two. My God knows how much I love that man, how hard I tried to save the marriage, and how heartbroken I have been. As the last year played out, I found I prayed more and more, and the prayers kept changing in tone. I started out praying for God to save this marriage. Perhaps it wasn't ever meant to be as hubby is a nonbeliever. Now, I still pray for hubby, but am at peace that we will probably eventually divorce. God has wrapped His arms around me and lifted the burden from my heart. I know God's will WILL be done, in His time, not mine. God knows I believe He will do what He says He will do. And, God knows I still believe strongly in marriage. I have not been with any man, in any sense of the word, for over a year. But I believe if I am meant to, a good Christian man will come into my life, and together we will work for God's Glory in God's Kingdom.
I believe God will take care of me, but I'm not going to "play in traffic", or live with a man I have become afraid of. The last year of living alone has also helped me grow in faith. Not only is He my Savior, He has become my Best Friend. I hope others struggling with this issue can find the faith and peace that I have in knowing God, and trusting Him to work in my life, that I may grow closer to Him.
Hugs and prayers,
T.