Is the marriage between unbelievers in Christ still a union of man, woman,
and God?
And do you believe that drugs, alcohol, and abusive behaviour are not
reasons for divorce, even in a marriage that is that union?
Just wondering..........
Helen

At 08:42 PM 1/17/04 -0600, you wrote:
>Mat,
>
>Watching divorce is indeed tough. Sometimes yes we can see how one spouse
>mistreats the other, and so we can justify it somewhat in our minds, but
>that in the end, still does not make it right. Marriage, and the
>consummation there of, is  so very powerful  and people are unaware. The
>physical union of man and wife goes much beyond what many reduce to a
>physical act. When that is forsaken, there is damage. And when we threaten
>divorce, we are willing to give that gift to each other away, that hurts
>deep. I'm not certain there are comforting scripture regarding witnessing
>the ruin of another's marriage, but we can stand strong knowing we value
>God's word... like "What God has enjoined, let not man put asunder", and
>our directive from God to love and honor our wives and etc. It is funny
>when most people get married, they get married before God, and when they
>divorce, they divorce before a judge. Have they not considered that
>marriage is not just a union of two but of three? God, man and wife.
>Another thought that helps keep things in perspective is looking at your
>wife, I guess that would be figuratively with us lol, but looking at our
>wives and know that they are God's daughters. Now. That demands a bit of
>respect, even if they act like spoiled kids once and a while lol. We do as
>well when given the chance, and even when not given but take the chance
>hahaha. The problem people have with marriage, is they think it is all
>butterflys and  flowers and when it is not, they get upset and they are
>appalled they actually have to put some work in the marriage to keep it
>going. I had one cousin that was married three months, and another a
>wopping one month lol. What did they expect that they quit so early? They
>didn't even give it a chance for criminy cripes sakes alive. Fear,
>selfishness and discontentment are major logs on the fire of divorce. What
>is in it for me? Or I've been doing this and getting nothing in return. It
>is a growing union of honor and trust, and if it is broke or damaged it is
>time to find out what went wrong and fix it, not quit as if it were a video
>game and we can start over with a new game tomorrow. What problems arise in
>a divorce often times carry on to the next marriage, and unless things
>change there will be another divorce. Sometimes drugs or alcohol or abusive
>behavior is involved and it is dangerous to remain in  a marriage. I
>believe that to be somewhat different, and  that is difficult to handle.
>Jesus said though for only one reason would there be excusable reason to
>divorce and that was infidelity. Anyway. I guess all one can do is pray and
>encourage and counsel those who will be open to it, to try to make a
>difference in their lives.
>
>Brad