Model Marriage
What to Do if You Get Divorced
- Forgive your ex-spouse.
Forgiveness will move you in the right direction––towards God’s healing for you. You will
not get healed if you do not genuinely forgive your spouse. Besides, God will not forgive you, if
you don’t forgive. A test of true forgiveness is to be able to pray sincerely for the well-being of
your ex-spouse. You will be liberated from bitterness as you forgive. Only then, can you begin
to experience joy again. It is possible for you to forgive; allow the Holy Spirit to help you.
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25- Ask God to forgive you.
While both spouses contribute in a measure to the breakdown of a marriage, often one partner
precipitates the collapse. It is good for both spouses to ask God’s pardon and mercy. Sometimes,
we do not even know that we displease him, so do not be self-righteous. Feelings of guilt and
condemnation are commonly experienced. However, it is comforting to know that God’s
disposition is to show mercy and compassion. As you receive God’s pardon, analyse your faults
and work on correcting them. Your efforts in this regard will be evidence of your genuine
repentance.^8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 103:8- Talk about your pain with spiritually mature counsellors.
Talk to your pastors or to godly friends. You will find it therapeutic to release your hurt by
sharing it with a sympathetic listener. The marriage may not be restored, but you will receive the
comfort of God’s Word. After a while though, you must consciously stop talking about your pain, else you
will wear your counsellors out, and you will not make much progress in getting healed emotionally.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be
healed...
James 5:16- Receive God’s love.
Replace feelings of rejection and condemnation with a confidence in God’s Word that assures
you of his love and his good plans for your life. Read specific Scriptures which will encourage
you, and then allow God to embrace you with his unconditional love. You will also find it very
helpful to read appropriate Christian material which address your needs.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love...1 John 4:16