When I first began considering divorce, I encountered an overwhelming narrative of guilt and condemnation in Christian resources. The recurring message was that divorce was a failure of faith, a lack of prayer, or even a reflection of personal moral failure. This deeply ingrained belief left me wrestling with feelings of shame, questioning if my desire to leave a toxic marriage made me unworthy in the eyes of God.
Today, I want to address a harmful myth that continues to weigh heavily on many Christians: the idea that you should feel ashamed of even considering divorce. For anyone who has sought guidance on this topic within a Christian framework, you've likely encountered this narrative. It often sounds like, "You just need more faith," or, "You haven’t prayed hard enough." This mindset perpetuates a cycle of guilt, leaving individuals feeling trapped and spiritually defeated.
But let’s pause and examine this myth. If you're a Christian who loves God and is considering divorce, chances are, you've agonized over the decision. You've poured hours into research, prayed fervently, and sought to align your choice with God's will. This process reflects the heart of someone who is deeply committed to honoring God, not someone who deserves shame or condemnation.
The Bible reminds us that "Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Your actions—praying, studying scripture, and seeking wise counsel—demonstrate your desire to follow God’s plan, even in difficult circumstances. This is not the behavior of someone selfishly pursuing their own desires; it's the mark of someone striving to walk in obedience and truth.
It’s also essential to understand that questioning and seeking clarity are not signs of spiritual weakness. Jesus Himself was called "Teacher" because He encouraged understanding and deeper reflection on God's word. When He departed, He left us with the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and helps us interpret scripture with wisdom and grace. God welcomes your questions, and He delights in your pursuit of His heart, even when the path is unclear.
In my journey, I found peace in recognizing that God does not expect blind submission to human interpretations of scripture. Instead, He desires a relationship where we actively seek His guidance, especially in life-altering decisions like divorce. It's the Holy Spirit who stirs the desire within us to align our will with God’s and seek His purpose for our lives.
The truth is, deciding whether to stay in a marriage or leave it is profoundly personal and often complex. It involves evaluating what’s best for your spiritual well-being, safety, and family. God is not angry with you for seeking clarity. In fact, your search for understanding reflects a heart that longs to honor Him.
This is the foundation of the Authorized Divorce Course—to help Christians discover God's heart for marriage and divorce without judgment or coercion. The course doesn't tell you whether you should or shouldn’t get divorced. Instead, it provides tools, biblical insights, and practical guidance to help you make an informed decision rooted in faith and wisdom.
Remember, seeking truth is never something to be ashamed of. God honors those who earnestly seek Him. If you're considering divorce, know that your questions, your prayers, and your pursuit of clarity are seen and valued by the One who knows your heart better than anyone else.
Comments