Saturday, February 13, 2010

Departure of a Nonbeliever

Another circumstance where divorce is permitted is found in 1 Corinthians 7:15: "If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances."

This verse means that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ and your husband or wife is not, and he or she leaves you, you are not required to remain together in marriage.

"The party who is left behind can't be held responsible for the breakup of the marriage if that person has done everything in his or her power to keep the marriage together," says Dr. Craig Keener.

Unfaithfulness and the departure of a non-believing spouse are two reasons specified in the Bible that allow you to divorce your spouse. Even though divorce is permitted for these reasons, it is not required. In fact, it is better to try and restore the marriage.

Dr. Tony Evans says, "Even when legitimate cases for divorce exist, believers must place reconciliation above their rights. Let's say your mate did commit adultery, but sincerely wants to be forgiven. Even though you have the right to divorce, because your mate was immoral, you always have the responsibility to love. The responsibility of love comes before the right of divorce. If a person wants to be forgiven, you seek forgiveness rather than the right because that's exactly what God did for you." If you are the victim of abuse, staying in a dangerous relationship is not the best way to be a conduit of God's love.

"God has called us to live in peace" (1 Corinthians 7:15).

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