Marriage And Divorce: The Test For True Neighbours

Dear reader,

Defusing marriage tensions is rewarding yet doing just that can be as tasking as it is easy. It is tasking because it requires significant courage and it is easy because of a readily available template. Combining courage with the ready template should be the aspiration of all true neighbours without exception if we must preserve and edify this beautiful house of Yahweh. This template is the scripture; in it the truth is found.

Regardless of our faiths, we all are required to abide by the truth (Yeshua), who also is the Way and the Life-John 14:6. When we know Yeshua, He surely shall make us free-John 8:31-32. Not knowing Him leaves and indeed, has left many marriages in turmoil. This is the truth that we must courageously pursue, preserve and present.

Knowing that many feel cold with truth, Yeshua said: “… all men cannot receive this saying; …He that is able to receive it, let him receive it”-Matthew 19:6-12. Yahweh saw it necessary to set His rules not for anyone, but for all of mankind, a reason why St. Peter declared, “Of a truth, Yahweh is not a respecter of persons”-Acts10:34.

Yahweh approved couples should aspire to have at least one pleasant neighbour; neighbours who are willing to go extra miles to ensure that marriages are preserved. These should be people who are not afraid to use the template. Neighbours not recommended are divorce lawyers and neighbours who seek not to edify marriages.

True neighbor/s should openly teach divorce, remarriage and their consequences at our worship centres, at family meetings and if possible at social circles. Of course, such teachings will hurt feelings, but purpose should be not to hurt, but to encourage, to correct and to bring about repentance. We should have the courage to discourage divorce as well as reconcile estranged spouses to their approved marriages. Besides regular teaching, we should do some checks to identify distressed marriages and do everything possible to defuse such distress.

True neighbours (brethren, friends, relatives, etc) have immense duty in marriages; we should be willingly ready to be used to bring peace to marriages and families. Reconciliation outfits should not be weary of making peace. Where necessary, true neighbours should send mediation teams to parents of feuding spouses and take them to task.

Large numbers remain unaware or poorly informed of the consequences of divorce and remarriage including many who call Yeshua 'Lord'. The real cost of marriage compromise by the church is the widespread divorce in Yahweh approved marriages, legalized adultery following re-marriage and solicited adultery by estranged spouses.

The only option for fragmented marriages is reconciliation as there is no room for divorce-Mathew19:6-9; Luke 16:18. Even if adultery is committed, couples should be encouraged to forgive each other. It might be a difficult thing to accept, but Yeshua commands us to do so Mathew 6:12. Believers forgive each other; offenders stop re-offending!

Notwithstanding prevailed circumstances over a period of separation in approved marriages, returning to the original marriages (the only Yahweh permitted marriages) if the spouses still remain alive, should be applauded and strongly pursued by true neighblours. Reconciliation of His approved spouses always is Yahweh's great delight!

Separating unpermitted marriages may not be pleasant and easy, but Elohim wants these hundreds of millions of people living in unpermitted marriages to just listen to Yeshua-Mathew19:6-9; Luke 16:18. As brothers and sisters separate from each other, bitterness and anger must be shunned-1John 2:9-11; 1John 3:15; 1John 4:20; Ephesians 4:31. This courageous attitude will create a peaceful environment in spouses to continually lift each other in prayers as members in the Lord and promote happiness of their children where children are involved.

Besides prayers, the true neighbours should assist in re-uniting divorced persons with their God-approved spouses, unless such spouses have chosen to move on and make Yeshua their life companion. Whichever option, we should keep them in our thoughts and prayers and comfort them in every way possible within the will of the Lord.

Yeshua has called us to obedience Luke 4:46; as we strive to obey this call, fervently pray for peace and harmony in every Yahweh approved marriage worldwide.

If you are in a marriage or know of any that is undergoing turbulence, which might likely lead to unpleasant outcomes, you have true neighbours around the globe who are more than willing to have the problem resolved via the awesome grace of our Lord. No single charge is needed. Just send email/s and your or their destination e.g. Douglas, Isle of Man.

May all the glory be to our father in Heaven.

Eze Uduma