Sunday, April 1, 2012

April 1 – Divorce and Remarriage

Matthew 19:3-12

“…they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”  “Whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Those are hard words for some people to swallow. Harder still for others to digest. Our society rationalizes divorce so easily. ”…we just aren’t happy together” or …“we have irreconcilable differences.”  What is “happiness?”  Are people truly happier when they are divorced?  The marriage vows are a covenant between two people and between them and God. That commitment is a lifetime commitment; until death do us part. What don’t they understand?  Sure there are tough times in marriage, in any one’s life. My husband and I have “stuck it out” for nearly forty years, as I write this---and we’re still keeping on, keeping on. It doesn’t mean that we haven’t had rough times---we have. We just didn’t give up during the rough times, the bad times. The good times have been very good---like truly feasting, not just nibbling at the Lord’s banquet table. There have been mediocre days that are just part of life, too. Days that might be more like a greasy McDonald’s burger than a feast. The "throw in the towel days" we just worked through somehow, staying committed knowing that we were making choices, and divorce wasn’t a serious option.    

We have to make an effort to create the good times---to create good memories. When was the last time you made an effort to do something kind for your spouse? Have you taken out the trash without being asked…or instead of them doing it?  How about fixing a special meal for them…cleaning their car, or massaging their feet?  If Jesus could wash the disciples’ feet when they’d been out walking on dusty roads---you can certainly wash your spouse’s feet. (smile)  This is not an April Fool’s message. Anyone would be a fool to disregard God’s message on marriage…God’s message on anything!

Lord, help us to be totally committed and truly kind to our spouses and our families.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

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