More marriage thoughts from Sunday...

What powerful passages from Scripture we saw on Sunday, looking at God's plan for marriage and His words on divorce. After such an important and full message, there were some questions I was asked and thoughts that I had that are worth speaking on.

First, as we saw that God hates divorce and sets guidelines for divorce and marriage, what about those that have been divorced and are re-married? While I mentioned some about that, I know that is a common situation and one that can lead some people to feel defensive or judged. Know this, God wants you to honor Him in your current marriage. If you need to seek forgiveness for something in your previous marriage then absolutely do so. But know that God forgives and wants you to see the beauty of His design in your current marriage.

I heard from many who had unfaithful or unbelieving spouses in their previous marriage and it ended in divorce. They are now remarried and trying to honor God in their marriages. I am thankful for their effort to honor God and show the world what a healthy, godly marriage looks like! Don't be ashamed. Don't think God disapproves of your marriage. Walk boldly with the spouse God has blessed you with and be thankful for a God of second chances. God can and will do great things in and through your marriage!

Also, at the end of the message I shared some statistics about marriage and divorce. There were a few I didn't mention that I thought were worth putting here. First, as we saw, marriages where the couple goes to church at least 3 times a month are FAR more likely to stay married. There is a 50% decrease in likelihood of divorce. There was another factor that led to couples not only staying together but also both spouses claiming they have a good, healthy marriage. Couples that pray together. Studies show that praying regularly together has a HUGE positive impact on your marriage!

Those should come as no surprise because that is just what God has told us. There was another interesting stat that I found, one that stands directly opposed to a practice in the world for dating and marriage. Many in the culture (I have heard this MANY times) say that it is good to live together for a little while before marriage to make sure you are compatible in that way. Try it before you buy it, or something like that. Cohabitation before marriage is very common. So does it work? Does it help couples stay together? NOPE.

Couples that live together before marriage are over 40% MORE likely to get a divorce. Turns out God's way works after all.

I am so encouraged by many of the marriages in our church. I am thankful for the example you are setting for not only my family but for all the kids and young adults around us. Keep doing things God's way and watch Him work!