Christian Divorce Recovery
For people of faith, Christian divorce recovery involves allowing God to heal mind, body, spirit and soul. When Christian couples choose to go their separate ways, the ramifications are far reaching. Broken hearts and broken homes often severs relationships with family, friends, and other believers. The emotional pain of divorce filters into every aspect of life: home, work, and church; and finding consolation amidst a congregation that once nurtured a married couple can be difficult for suddenly single individuals. Other parishioners often view divorcees as outcasts; and some may even question how two believers could commit what some view as "the unpardonable sin." Believers undergoing Christian divorce recovery may question personal beliefs, tried and true doctrine, and will certainly face challenges uncommon to non-believers. But a word of godly wisdom, a word of knowledge and the Spirit of counsel can make the difference between going through divorce in desperation and defeat, or a determination to live an abundant life in Christ. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).
Crucial to Christian divorce recovery is to avoid making rash decisions,to promptly seek spiritual counsel fromo a seasoned clergyman, and to stay in fellowship with other believers. Divorce should not be a deterrent to one's personal faith. On the contrary, emotional upheaval brought on by marital dissolution requires cleaving to God and resisting the temptation to retreat back into the world. Divorcees should avoid making snap judgments and irrational decisions or desperately reaching out for instant answers. There is no quick fix for tattered dreams. But moving slowly through the maze of emotions and carefully weighing the challenges of every day life enables individuals to make accurate assessments. The children still need to be picked up from school; dinner still needs to be prepared; and the mortgage still needs to be paid. The dissolution of a marriage is no time to have an emotional or mental breakdown, but an opportunity to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth, bringing order out of disorder and a sense of direction out of chaos. "Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come" (John 16:13).
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand' (Proverbs 19:20-21). Believers seeking Christian divorce recovery should make an appointment with their pastor or a trusted church elder who will keep confidences and offer sound biblical advice. A pastor or spiritual leader skilled in marital relationship counseling can help newly divorced believers not only find peace within themselves but also the will of God. Spiritually astute leaders will point a troubled divorcee back to the Bible. I Corinthians, Chapter 7, provides sound advice for those facing marital issues, including God's requirements for divorce and remarriage. "Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you" (I Corinthians 7:27-28).
The importance of staying in fellowship with other believers in Christian divorce recovery cannot be overstated. Believers facing the emotional issues of a marital breakup need the support of those who will not judge but act as an anchor for the soul and a repairer of broken hearts. Strong men and women of God willing to pray and intercede for the divorced believer, the spouse and the family can help those who are hurting along the road to Christian divorce recovery. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Instead of hiding away ashamed because of a broken marriage, newly single adults should strive to become active in church auxiliaries. Join a prayer breakfast group and get busy interceding for the sick and shut in. Volunteer to teach a children's Bible study or share the Word of God at a local nursing home. Sign up to deliver meals to the elderly or to homeless. The key is to take the focus off of personal pain and concentrate on ways to be a blessing to those in need.
As part of the Christian divorce recovery process, maintaining consistent fellowship with other believers rebuilds confidence and renewed hope. It is vital that couples remember they are not the only ones going through a divorce and there is nothing too hard for God to remedy. The rate of marriage dissolution for believers is nearly as high as that of non-believers. Almost 50% of new marriages will be dissolved within the first 10 years. That statistic should not encourage believers to separate, but it should provide the impetus to remain married. God is greater than any problem couples face; and He is able to help troubled couples reconcile, especially when they follow biblical guidelines. Even when divorce seems to be the only option, Christian couples should stay open to heed the Word of God. With wise counsel, continued fellowship, and prayer, Christian divorce recovery can bring new hope, renewed faith and a better future.
Crucial to Christian divorce recovery is to avoid making rash decisions,to promptly seek spiritual counsel fromo a seasoned clergyman, and to stay in fellowship with other believers. Divorce should not be a deterrent to one's personal faith. On the contrary, emotional upheaval brought on by marital dissolution requires cleaving to God and resisting the temptation to retreat back into the world. Divorcees should avoid making snap judgments and irrational decisions or desperately reaching out for instant answers. There is no quick fix for tattered dreams. But moving slowly through the maze of emotions and carefully weighing the challenges of every day life enables individuals to make accurate assessments. The children still need to be picked up from school; dinner still needs to be prepared; and the mortgage still needs to be paid. The dissolution of a marriage is no time to have an emotional or mental breakdown, but an opportunity to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide into all truth, bringing order out of disorder and a sense of direction out of chaos. "Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come" (John 16:13).
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand' (Proverbs 19:20-21). Believers seeking Christian divorce recovery should make an appointment with their pastor or a trusted church elder who will keep confidences and offer sound biblical advice. A pastor or spiritual leader skilled in marital relationship counseling can help newly divorced believers not only find peace within themselves but also the will of God. Spiritually astute leaders will point a troubled divorcee back to the Bible. I Corinthians, Chapter 7, provides sound advice for those facing marital issues, including God's requirements for divorce and remarriage. "Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you" (I Corinthians 7:27-28).
The importance of staying in fellowship with other believers in Christian divorce recovery cannot be overstated. Believers facing the emotional issues of a marital breakup need the support of those who will not judge but act as an anchor for the soul and a repairer of broken hearts. Strong men and women of God willing to pray and intercede for the divorced believer, the spouse and the family can help those who are hurting along the road to Christian divorce recovery. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). Instead of hiding away ashamed because of a broken marriage, newly single adults should strive to become active in church auxiliaries. Join a prayer breakfast group and get busy interceding for the sick and shut in. Volunteer to teach a children's Bible study or share the Word of God at a local nursing home. Sign up to deliver meals to the elderly or to homeless. The key is to take the focus off of personal pain and concentrate on ways to be a blessing to those in need.
As part of the Christian divorce recovery process, maintaining consistent fellowship with other believers rebuilds confidence and renewed hope. It is vital that couples remember they are not the only ones going through a divorce and there is nothing too hard for God to remedy. The rate of marriage dissolution for believers is nearly as high as that of non-believers. Almost 50% of new marriages will be dissolved within the first 10 years. That statistic should not encourage believers to separate, but it should provide the impetus to remain married. God is greater than any problem couples face; and He is able to help troubled couples reconcile, especially when they follow biblical guidelines. Even when divorce seems to be the only option, Christian couples should stay open to heed the Word of God. With wise counsel, continued fellowship, and prayer, Christian divorce recovery can bring new hope, renewed faith and a better future.
Christian Divorce Recovery
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