Divorce in the church

[SDG]

Originally Posted by bishoph

Not sure if I'm the Bishop Thad is referring to........I hope not. Divorce is an ugly (no matter how amicable) and extremely hurtful thing for everyone concerned. The children, the couple, all of the extended family, the church, the pastor and the list goes on and on. Many, IMO, Apostolic pastors have very little understanding on how to counsel marriages/families when things are going relatively well, let alone when things go bad. And may I add that often times the advice they do give is wrong.

I may get stoned for my next statements, however, IMO, it is not the will of God for anyone to remain in a relationship where abuse (whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or sexual) is happening without proper intervention and actions being taken. This does not mean that every case should end in divorce; if the right counsel was given and the right things done many divorces could be avoided. However, the same God who defines love, is the same God who hates abuse! In fact if you study out the root definition of the word, you will find that abuse is one of the facets of fornication, and the last time I checked, the Word lists fornication as one of the grounds for divorce.

The healing and future spiritual/relational success of those effected by divorce will greatly depend on the support system in which they are able to find themselves. As I have read through this thread, I realize how much some of you are hurting, and you may not even recognize it yourself, because you have had to pick up the pieces and keep on going just to survive. I am moved by your hurt and I will be praying for you.

Please know that you are important, and that you have great worth. You may carry some wounds, that still hurt when they are touched or prodded, but you are not damaged goods. Damaged goods are reduced in value and discounted, or discarded, but God does not see you that way, and neither will his true children. Quit believing what your ex said you were never going to be, or what they proclaimed you would always be. God has spoken good things about you, and to you that are yet to come. You serve a God who is able to make your latter days to be greater than your your darkest past.

Your Servant in Christ

I believe Thad was referring to Bishop1. However, I may be wrong.

Nonetheless thank you for a compassionate Christ-like post.

I don't think you can be stoned for your statements ... they are based in the Word and the love of our Lord.