THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE "ILLEGAL" DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE
Introduction
The bible teaches that except for death (1 Cor. 7:39 ) or sexual unfaithfulness (Mt. 19:7-9 ; 5:32 ) , the marriage relationship SHOULD not be b r o k e n . In the sense of only the above biblical exceptions , the marriage relationship is therefore AN UNCONDITIONAL relationship until death .
An Indian proverb says " Wherever love rules the impossible may be attained" It is true. If a person REALLY loves his or her marriage partner , no attention will be shifted on to onother person to do immoral acts .
When a person divorces his marriage partner because of sexual unfaithfulness that will be , before God`s sight , lawful or legal divorce. Any other reason other than clearly proved adultery, will be "ILLEGAL DIVORCE" Our lesson is THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE ILLEGAL DIVORCE . What are those things ?
THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE ILLEGAL DIVORCE.
1. DISCONTENDMENT
Many times a marriage partner will decide to break the marriage relationship simply because there/is not enough money in the home or because of lack of physical necessities in the home. In life , people must learn to live within their means . To demand more than your monthly earnings is not good and is also out of scriptural principles. Read carefully the following verses PHILIPPIANS 4: 11-12, ECCLESIASTES 5:10. Do not want to live a life of wanting to be like others when your monthly earnings cannot enable you to have what they have !!
DISCUSS POLITELY WITH YOUR MARRIAGE PARTNER WHATEVER IS LACKING IN THE HOME AND FIND GOOD WAYS OF SOLVING IT . BE CONTENDED OR SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE !
2. HEALTH PROBLEMS
It is natural to be sick. When your child or your marriage partner is ill or sick, do not use words that are not right. Don`t even plan a divorce because of your partner`s health problems In times of such problems , a couple should not forget to pray.
Read: JAMES 5:14, ISAIAH 38:1-5. Care for each other in times of sickness, remember:Tough times are times of caring and comfort .
3. IN-LAWS
Someone said " Marriage is like a pair of scissors, often moving in opposite directions but punishing him who comes in-between"The two who are in the marriage relationship must watch for outsiders who may come in to break , yes, even their in-laws. The in-laws may point out some real weaknesses in a partner in marriage , but , if a couple is not careful , they will proceed to giving unChristian and unscriptural advices. These advices may actually lead to illegal divorce .
4. NOT UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER`S LIKES AND DISLIKES
Simple things CAN BE BIG THINGS to your marriage partner . For example , if your husband always air his dislike towards your dressing of a mini tight skirt , why would you continue it ? If your wife always tell you that she feels uncomfortable to handle the game meat you bring at home , why would you force her to cook it?
As a christian , understand your partner`s likes and dislikes if the likes and dislikes are within scriptural principles !!
5. MONEY
Should the wife know the husband`s salary or the husband know the wife`s ? The answer is YES ! Each couple should be honest to each other money - wise . Both should buy things within their earning and use it happly and wisely . If this will not happen an illegal divorce may take place . We need money but we must not be lovers of money. Read 1 TIMOTHY 6: 10.
CONCLUSION
The above five points can cause a divorce which God does not approve . There is only one reason for divorce , that is , sexual immorality . Then, there are two reasons for remarriage (1) adultery (2) death of marriage partner . But even though, God still says He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16 ). MAY WE NOT ALLOW THE ABOVE FIVE POINTS TO CAUSE UNLAWFUL DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE !!
By TENSON MANGWINYANA (Evangelist)
CHURCH OF CHRIST
P.O. BOX CT 101
CHINOTIMBA
VICTORIA FALLS
Z I M B A B W E . Cell-phone: 011 717-087