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Should I Get a Divorce?
Does it feel like your marriage is over? Have one of you mentioned divorce during an argument? Are you wondering when it’s time? Even during these tough times, you’re not alone. The Bible, which is God’s own words to us, and Jesus, who loves us more than anyone else, can provide guidance and comfort. They can help show you the path forward and give you hope when it all seems hopeless.
Marriage Is Special
Marriage is unique because it’s about a man and a woman coming together as one and this is what makes it different from all other relationships. Jesus described it when He was asked about divorce. He said, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together” (Matthew 19:6). What this means is that your marriage is more than just a promise between you and your partner; it’s a commitment between you, your partner, and God. His desire is for you two to be one.
Grace for One Another
No one is perfect—not your spouse and not you. God tells us to treat others the way He treats us, with kindness and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13). So it’s important to be patient and forgive your spouse when they make mistakes, the same way God forgives you. He understands who you are and your weaknesses.
More Than a Feeling
Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:7). This means that true love, the kind God wants for us, lasts long after your feelings fade. This kind of love is strong and can help you and your spouse get through tough times. You’ll find a special level of healing with the love described here. “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). God is sharing a powerful love that can be the answer to your pain and problems.
The Power of Three
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). God is the third partner in your marriage. He can provide extra strength to help protect your marriage from life’s struggles and to pursue reconciliation when your marriage is strained.
In any struggle we face in life, including marriage challenges, our most important need is to reconcile with God. When we embrace His love, He supports us and empowers us to share that love with others.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?