October 4, 2018
“Divorce”
Mark 10:2-12 contains a difficult teaching from Jesus about divorce. He is asked if divorce is lawful (legal). His response: it may be legal but it is still painful. Jesus knew that God’s intent was that the promise of love should bring lasting joy to families. But life doesn’t always work the way we had planned.
When promises and hearts are broken no amount of legal wrangling will take the pain away. It has been said that only Love can mend a broken heart…especially if it was a broken love promise that caused the pain.
You and I have experienced this pain either personally or vicariously through those we love. Someone explained to me that my losing a wife to cancer was not as painful as her losing a husband to divorce: ‘At least you received a hot-dish.’ Her meaning was clear: separation by divorce affects the entire community.
So, what can we do about it?
As with most instances where someone is in pain it is best to listen and not judge. Speaking your thoughts may seem to you like the best way to help, but sometimes our intent can be misunderstood. People who are in pain need a person with a loving, listening ear who is quick to listen and slow to speak.
Someone observed that God gave us one mouth and two ears…there is a message in that ratio.
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
“Divorce”
Mark 10:2-12 contains a difficult teaching from Jesus about divorce. He is asked if divorce is lawful (legal). His response: it may be legal but it is still painful. Jesus knew that God’s intent was that the promise of love should bring lasting joy to families. But life doesn’t always work the way we had planned.
When promises and hearts are broken no amount of legal wrangling will take the pain away. It has been said that only Love can mend a broken heart…especially if it was a broken love promise that caused the pain.
You and I have experienced this pain either personally or vicariously through those we love. Someone explained to me that my losing a wife to cancer was not as painful as her losing a husband to divorce: ‘At least you received a hot-dish.’ Her meaning was clear: separation by divorce affects the entire community.
So, what can we do about it?
As with most instances where someone is in pain it is best to listen and not judge. Speaking your thoughts may seem to you like the best way to help, but sometimes our intent can be misunderstood. People who are in pain need a person with a loving, listening ear who is quick to listen and slow to speak.
Someone observed that God gave us one mouth and two ears…there is a message in that ratio.
Blessings,
Pastor Mike