On Divorce

Whoa, did I get a lot of emails about divorce after my last post (Divine Ventriloquist).  There is such a variety of thoughts and emotions on this topic that I thought I should clarify with an add-on post. 

To begin I have seen teachings that say Malachi 2:16 is not referring to divorce as we understand it... this is not so.  The context of the passage will tell you that God is referring to a broken marriage.  In verse 14 God is angry over the broken promise and ruined relationship.  The context of this verse is marital unfaithfulness and I will address that in a moment.

Also, this passage is directed toward men.  Culturally we understand that in that time period women could not make the decision to divorce.  This does not excuse women from similar admonishment.

Third, I do not believe that divorce is an unforgiveable sin.  However, I do believe that sin is involved in divorce.  Fighting, arguing, and selfishness, are a part of the process that leads to divorce.  Anger, jealousy, bitterness may also have been part of the process.  These things are hurtful, sad, and not what God intends for or from His people.  We can be tempted to play the blame game of his fault or her fault but that is more of the same division.  The church should focus more on prevention and healing than on assigning fault or guilt.

Additionally, I do believe there are circumstances that are the darkest of all.  Child abuse or spousal abuse are sins that anger God.  Unfaithfulness is one of those anger-invoking sins that is mentioned directly in Malachi.  Such circumstances are complex and should not be met with simple responses.  I have been awed at the willingness of a spouse to forgive cheating.  I have been confused at the unwillingness of a spouse to escape abuse.  These cases have no easy answers and should be addressed individually with much prayer.

Divorce is messy, ugly and hurtful.  God hates divorce because it hurts his people when they go through it.  It does not say that God hates divorcees.  He does not.  However, it angers Him when His children are hurting and hurting each other. 

I think this adequately responds to the emails I have gotten.  Would like to see some of that discussion here so that everyone could give input.