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Whether you're a divorce survivor or know someone who's gone through a divorce, you know that divorce is cruel. Children who've seen their parents split know that cruelty as well. No one enters marriage full of candlelight and promises planning to divorce. Nor do you anticipate the traumatic (and sometimes unexpected) events that lead to that decision. But divorce, unfortunately, does happen. How does God view this?

God takes marriage seriously: "Did he not make them one?" (2:15). Then Malachi addressed the value of raising children to know God. He railed against unfaithfulness ("Let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth," 2:15). Just prior to that, Malachi had spoken of the hypocrisy of people who would "cover the altar of the LORD with tears" (2:13), yet be unfaithful in their marriage. They then wondered why God wasn't pleased with them and wouldn't accept their offerings. It seems that how you treat your marriage relationship does indeed impact your relationship with God—and how (or whether) he chooses to respond to your prayers.

But God also hates violence or cruelty, as this passage implies. In a human world where much goes wrong, women sometimes have to choose between a marriage that has become violent and the cruelty of divorce. In that situation, for her own safety and the safety of her children, she may have to seek God's wisdom and trust in his mercy. (See also Matthew 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Ephesians 4:1-6.)

The LORD God of Israel says that he hates divorce … Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously. Malachi 2:16

What's your opinion of divorce? Is it a "fix-all" or something God detests? How could that change your perspective in your own marriage or in dealing compassionately with others?

Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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