God designed marriage to be for life (Matt. 19:6).  God’s overall view of divorce is that He hates it (Mal. 2:16).  However, if a mate’s spouse commits fornication, God allows the innocent mate to divorce the guilty spouse and remarry without sin (Matt. 5:31,32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Luke 16:18).

So many people in our country have either never heard or read those passages, or disregard them as irrelevant if they have.  Divorce is rampant.  Many divorce for no reason except they are tired of living with their present spouse.  When such remarry they commit adultery (see above passages).  While God gives a mate whose spouse commits adultery the right to divorce and remarry, even then one does not necessarily have to exercise that right.  Genuine repentance on the part of the guilty spouse and longsuffering and forgiveness on the part of the offended spouse can go a long way in keeping a marriage in tact, even following the heartache of an adulterous affair.  It would seem that this is especially important if children are involved.

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by Rick Lanning

It’s simple, really.  I do not have to write a large volume, followed by a sequel, on all the details of establishing a good marriage.  Although the shelves are stocked full of wonderful books on this subject (and I have spent a small fortune buying them to read, teach and pass on), the real solution to creating a haven that is “home sweet home” is found right under our nose.  I Corinthians 13:1-7.  That’s it.  I am fully convinced, even after pouring through all the great books that deal with psychology, sexual intimacy, and the many other facets of a marriage made in heaven, that Paul’s simple instructions on agape (love) are the heart and soul of all relationships.  Hear me out and I’ll explain why.

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