People who don't love God don't seek to know His will or His commandments. As a result, when they are tempted, they give in to the devil's offers. We want to be firm in our faith and ready to do good for everyone, including the lost. May we learn from the Lord, so that we can enjoy the best that He has prepared for us. We are God's, and that's everything!

          In the sequence of messages on chapter 7 of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we studied that the Lord values marriage and maintaining it. Unfortunately, the devil has managed to lead many to ask for a divorce, something that the heavenly Father rejects, as the Word says: For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit that you do not deal treacherously (Malachi 2.16).

           In the Old Testament, repudiation could only be requested for the following reason: When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens, that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce put it in her hand, and send her out of his house (Deuteronomy 24.1). There are Christians who, for whatever reason, hire the best lawyer to obtain a separation. Remember: the law is never made by those who fear the Most High.

           Let's take the example of a citizen who was no longer living well with his wife. One day, he was converted to Jesus, and the fights intensified in his home because of his new faith. So he didn't wait and filed for divorce, considering that, being a new creature, his wife would no longer accept him. Now, it would be better if he prayed for his half to also accept Christ as Savior and Lord; after all, the promise is for him and his entire household. When he gave himself to Christ, the mantle of salvation fell on his household too (Acts 16:31). Waiting on God is the right thing to do!

           Now, if a woman is an unbeliever, but consents to live with her husband, he should never ask to be put away. Imagine a woman who puts up with the bad mood of her spouse who doesn't know Jesus for a while. When she gets saved and becomes the best wife, she doesn't sin and even leads her husband to salvation, and that life is worth more than all the gold in the world. Trust in the Lord, he will guide your steps.    

           Another example: a divorced woman who marries another man, who then annoys her, gives her a letter of divorce and dies, cannot go back to her first husband: Then her former husband who divorced her must not take her back to be his wife after she has been defiled; for that is an abomination before the LORD, and you shall not bring sin on the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance (Deuteronomy 24.4).

           What is the Lord's intention in saying this? We can only assume that it is for the sanctity and happiness of the couple. God can change any situation, making marriage a true blessing. Never let your spouse suffer for carnal reasons. Hold on to this promise: If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:14). Believe, pray and live!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares