Aim

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to confirm from the bible that: God was not the author of divorce. Moses did not institutionalize divorce and remarriage. He only tried to minimise this evil that was common at his time. Marriage is a covenant witnessed by God that must be kept at all cost. Brethren would value and keep their vows.

Deut 24:1-4, Malachi 2:13-16

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matt 19:6)

Prophet Moses On Divorce(deut 24:1-4) Prophet Malachi On Divorce(mal. 2:13-16)

Eden

MarriageDivorce This a union or legal contract between people called spouses (Man and Woman) that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, between the spouses and their children, and between the spouses and their in-laws. It is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate are acknowledged. The final termination of a marital union, cancelling the legal duties and responsibilities of MARRIAGE and dissolving the BONDS OF MATRIMONY between the parties.

Divorce and her evil consequences were already in existence before Moses Unlike the Pharisees that commanded it (Matt 19:7) Moses allowed or permitted it because of the hardness of heart of the Israelites. (Matt 19:8) Moses regulated divorce in order to prevent its abuse and to make it more difficult believers compared to the way the heathens did it. Adultery was never a reason for divorce in the days of Moses. The punishment for adultery was death by stoning. (Lev 20:10) The purpose of the bill of divorce was to deter a hasty action on the part of the husband thereby restraining frivolous and rash dismissal of the marriage It testified to the woman’s freedom from marital obligations from the husband who sent her away. It protected the woman's reputation, and prevented her from being attacked or stoned, particularly when she decides to remarry.

 Infidelity  Communication  Lack of respect  Finance  Desire for authority  Lack of intimacy  Laziness  Trust issues  Negligence  Dishonesty

 Effective prayer life (God first)  Effective communication  Transparency  Respect for each others feelings  Humility  Honesty  Faithfulness  Patience

 For I hate divorce, say the Lord God of Israel, and covering one’s garment with violence says the Lord of hosts. (Mal 2:16, Matt 19:5- 6)  Divorce is equated to faithlessness. (Mal 2:15, Rom 1:17, Heb 10:38-39)  Marriage relationship is a covenant witnessed by God that must not be broken. God hates covenant breakers. (Mal 2:14, Eph 5:25)  God makes husband and wife to be one. (Mal 2:15, Gen 2:23-24, Eph 5:28-31)  Divorce affects the children; “Godly Seeds”. this would make parents accountable on the day of judgement if any one of them go astray. (Matt 18:6)

 God in the beginning established marriage as a man and a woman being united in a covenant or bond so strong that the two actually become one flesh. (Mk10:8, Matt 19:6)  Jesus said Moses allowed or tolerated divorce because of hardness of heart but did not sanction it. (Matt 19:8)  God himself joins together a man and a woman in marriage and no human being has the right to separate whatsoever God joined (Mk 10:7-9, Matt 19:5-6)

Marriage to a divorcee is living in the sin of adultery (Lk 16:18, Matt 5:32) Divorce on any ground except fornication means you will be making your spouse to live in adultery if such spouse remarries. (Matt 5:32, 19:9) Also remarrying after divorce is a violation of ones’ covenant of fidelity to the previous spouse which should not be broken as long as your partner is alive. (Mk 10:11) Jesus Christ taught the disciples about sin of adultery as one of the evil consequences of anyone that divorces and remarries. Adultery was not the reason for legal divorce neither among the Jews nor at the time of Moses. (Deut 22:22-24)

During the life time of Jesus Christ, the punishment for the sin of fornication or adultery was death among the Jews.(Jn 8:3-5) therefore the spouse whose partner commits the sin of adultery or fornication was condemned to be stoned to death thereby releasing the living one from the contract of marriage. Divorce does not break nor destroy the bond formed by God between a man and a woman that enter into marriage covenant. (1Cor7:39) Jesus demostrated that God hates divorce and not the divorcee when he showed care and compassion to the Samarian woman at the well of Jacob. She divorced and remarried five times. (Jn 4:16- 18) likewise christains should be compassionate and caring towards those going through the truama and pains of divorce.

Social Financial Depression Sadness Isolation Anger Frustration Health Alcohol/Drugs.