A. What are some ways to prevent divorce?

Couples who love each other with the kind of love Christ showed when he died for us, who seek to please one another, and who encourage each other and build up one another - these are the couples who will likely remain together in a happy marriage. The format is simple, but the fulfillment takes some doing! Never let your marriage become a marriage of convenience.

Ephesians 5:24-25. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything. And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church.

1 Thessalonians 5:11. Encourage each other and build each other up.

B. What does the Bible say about divorce?

1). God sees divorce as wrong because it is the breaking of a binding commitment. One or both spouses have made a conscious decision to be unfaithful.

Malachi 2:14-16. You cry out, “Why has the LORD abandoned us?” I’ll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made to each other on your wedding day. … But you have been disloyal. … Didn’t the LORD make you one? In body and spirit you are his. … So guard yourself; remain loyal. … “For l hate divorce! says the LORD. God sees divorce as wrong because it is the breaking of a binding commitment. One or both spouses have made a conscious decision to be unfaithful.

2). There is a wide range of interpretation concerning this passage, with wide application to specific situations. The Old Testament provides specific rules concerning divorce and limited remarriage in special cases (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), while at the same time makes it clear that divorce is not God’s intention (Malachi 2:14-16). The New Testament also makes it clear that divorce is wrong (Matthew 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11), while allowing for limited exceptions as Jesus mentions in this passage.

Matthew 19:3. Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him. … “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for any reason?”

Matthew 19:6. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together.

Amen?