You are here:
Churches Of Christ/hello
Advertisement
Question
i just got divorced.iwas a widower over 6 years.had a wonderful marriage of almost 34years. there was no animosity between me and my wife that got divorced we only knew each other a week before marriage.we were married 9mo.all churches seem to condem divorce.will god never allow me in the future to have another mate? im very concerned. i am a christian. i want jesus to forgive me.in my heart i didnt want a divorce thank you [david[
David,
I'm sorry for both your loss and the divorce. But......
Give yourself a break. God will forgive all sins, even divorce.
Once you're divorced, you're divorced. God doesn't pretend that you are still married. While divorcing your mate (if it was your initiative) may well have been a sin, as I said, that sin will be forgiven.
I would recommend though, given that this marriage only lasted 9 months, that you take enough time to figure out IF you want to get married again and if so, is THIS woman (whoever that is at the time) is someone with whom you can build a life together. This isn't limited to what YOU think about the relationship, but must include a relevant and broad conversation with the woman about each of your personalities, expectations, and commitment to your marriage.
Even after being married for 34 years, pre-marital counseling is appropriate for subsequent marriages.
So, assuming you are contrite about the divorce, you're forgiven. Now, quit kicking yourself and enjoy life with God.
Blessings,
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Hoyt Roberson
Expertise
I can answer just about any doctrinal, relational, or Scriptural question from a "traditional" church of Christ perspective, and from perspectives of somewhat more progressive congregations. If you want an answer from a particular perspective, let me know that up front, and I'll respond in that vein. If you want to peg me on the liberal-conservative spectrum, I would suggest a bit left of center. Depending on the question though, I might be far left, or perhaps rather toward the right.
Experience
I am currently a shepherd of a congregation (which means, for those of you who aren't Church of Christ folk, I'm one of a handful of people responsible for the spiritual direction and maturity of the congregation, and who hire and fire the ministers). I have served in many capacities including adult class teacher (also current), deacon, administrator, and lay leader at two military bases. I am a life-long member of churches of Christ, mostly mainline congregations, but am quite familiar with more conservative and more liberal congregations and views as well. I read and subscribe to various books and periodicals for churches of Christ, and have discussed a variety of topics with representatives of our various groups both in person, and via mail.
Organizations
Christian Association for Psychological Studies, American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Publications
www.robersonblog.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials
I hold a Masters of Ministry degree from Pepperdine University, as well as a Masters of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.