Separation and Divorce (1)

Malachi 2:13-16 You can cry and cover the LORD’s altar with tears, but the Lord will not accept your gifts. He will not be pleased with the things you bring to him. You ask, “Why are our gifts not accepted?” It is because the LORD saw the evil things you did—he is a witness against you. He saw you cheat on your wife. You have been married to her since you were young. She was your girlfriend. Then you made your vows to each other—and she became your wife. God wants husbands and wives to become one body and one spirit. Why? So that they would have holy children and protect that spiritual unity. Don’t cheat on your wife. She has been your wife from the time you were young. The LORD, the God of Israel, says, “I hate divorce, and I hate the cruel things that men do. So protect your spiritual unity. Don’t cheat on your wife.”

Marital infidelity and divorce, these days, seem to be considered much more of an acceptable lifestyle choice, than they are a heinous betrayal. But it was never meant to be so. Never!

I say that as someone whose first wife left him for another man, one whom I considered to be a good friend. Eh … divorce. It just happens. People grow apart. Move on. But the tragedy of infidelity is a hurt so deep that words simply can’t describe it. So if infidelity, falling out of love with the one you have and into the arms of the one you don’t have, has ever crossed your mind … listen up:

Malachi 2:13-16 You can cry and cover the LORD’s altar with tears, but the Lord will not accept your gifts. He will not be pleased with the things you bring to him. You ask, “Why are our gifts not accepted?” It is because the LORD saw the evil things you did—he is a witness against you. He saw you cheat on your wife. You have been married to her since you were young. She was your girlfriend. Then you made your vows to each other—and she became your wife. God wants husbands and wives to become one body and one spirit. Why? So that they would have holy children and protect that spiritual unity. Don’t cheat on your wife. She has been your wife from the time you were young. The LORD, the God of Israel, says, “I hate divorce, and I hate the cruel things that men do. So protect your spiritual unity. Don’t cheat on your wife.”

… or your husband. Don’t!

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.