When lovestruck couples stand at the alter and make a covenant with God and each other, they never dream their perfect day will end in divorce.
But here in America, a whopping 50-percent of all marriages end in divorce – with divorce even rearing its ugly head in the church.
The consequences of a broken marriage are tragic, which is why if you’re considering leaving your spouse, it is crucial you read this first.
Generations Of Trauma
When a couple decides to get a divorce, they often think the consequences (which are devastating enough) stop with them.
The truth is, divorce sends a ripple effect to everyone in the family, even extended family, and harms generations to come.
Grandparents are often kept from seeing their grandchildren.
In-laws are suddenly confused as to who to remain loyal to and are often forced to sever relationships (especially if the divorcee remarries).
Sadly, it’s the children who feel the brunt of divorce the most.
When children are involved, many of them feel that the divorce was “their fault.”
They may feel confused being taken from one household to the next every other weekend, with all sense of security and stability uprooted.
These children grow up with deep wounds – whether from an absent parent or simply an overall feeling of not feeling safe and secure.
One thing is for certain– they no longer trust the institution of marriage and will likely have future relational problems.
Even adult children of divorce suffer trauma watching the parents who loved and raised them suddenly split.
The Ultimate Covenant Breaker
Marriage is a covenant made with two people and God – and God takes His covenants seriously.
Divorce is always a result of sin, which is why the Bible says God hates divorce.
Marriage is meant to demonstrate God’s relationship with his bride, the Church – with the husband being ready to lay down his life for his wife, and the wife joyfully choosing to submit to her husband.
The Gospel is on display when both spouses live out their roles to honor God.
But in breaking the covenant of marriage, it demonstrates to a watching world that marriage isn’t sacred and is merely a transaction.
Love Matures
Many people mistake “love” for infatuation.
They think once the “butterflies” are gone it means they’ve “fallen out of love.”
But the truth is, love is not about feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside, love is a choice – a conscious decision to put the needs of someone else before yourself.
Think back to what the Bible says love is – it is patient, kind, long-suffering.
Instead of shifting to the next phase of the relationship, many couples jump ship without allowing their love to mature.
God Can Restore Your Marriage
If you feel like your marriage has lost all hope, remember God is bigger than your struggles.
Don’t wait to seek Christian counseling if you are going through a rough patch.
And most important, find a counselor who is pro-marriage who will support and honor the covenant of marriage and not encourage you to get divorced just because it makes you “happier.”
Marriage involves two imperfect sinners merging their lives together, and while it can be messy – when God is involved, He’ll use your marriage in a mighty way to glorify His name.
So don’t give up!
Divorce is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and the effects of divorce can truly cause generations of trauma and devastation.
Instead, lay your troubled marriage at the foot of the cross and ask God for help – then watch Him work.
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