The Light Daily Devotional – God Hates Divorce
Focus: God Hates Divorce
WORD FOR TODAY
Divorce is a devastating force that not only closes the door on love and hope but also opens the floodgates to bitterness and hatred. It is often the climax of numerous instances of “putting away” within a marriage!
Scriptural Reference
“For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” — Malachi 2:16 (NKJV)
God’s hatred of divorce is not arbitrary; it is rooted in His understanding of its destructive power. Divorce doesn’t just end a relationship—it shatters lives, hearts, and families, often leaving deep emotional and spiritual wounds in its wake. While many couples may try hard to avoid the final act of divorce, the real danger often lies in the regular, unnoticed acts of “putting away” that happen long before the legal separation. “Putting away” is the slow erosion of intimacy and trust, the subtle distancing of hearts, and the gradual hardening of spirit between spouses. These seemingly small acts—left unchecked—can pave the way for the greater tragedy of divorce.
Common attitudes indicating “putting away” in a marriage include:
1. Total or Partial Lack of Communication: When partners stop sharing their thoughts and feelings, misunderstandings grow.
2. Cautious Relationships Rather Than Courtesy: When interactions become more about duty than affection, intimacy suffers.
3. Individualism: Engaging in separate activities instead of nurturing shared experiences can create isolation.
4. Self-Withdrawal: Withdrawing emotionally or physically from one another fosters loneliness.
5. Starving Your Partner: Withholding financial resources, affection, or intimacy creates resentment and hostility.
6. Staying Long Outside the Home: Avoiding home can signify a lack of desire to be with your partner.
7. Lack of Openness: Hiding thoughts or feelings creates barriers to connection and trust.
8. Refusal to Pursue a Common Goal: When couples abandon shared dreams, they drift apart.
9. Physical Separation: Actions such as sleeping in separate beds or rooms can symbolize emotional disengagement.
If any of these attitudes are allowed to fester, bitterness will inevitably take root, leading to deeper divisions and, ultimately, the potential for divorce. It is often the “hardness of heart” that leads one partner to push the other away, regardless of the offense.
The devil is the enemy of the Christian home. He seeks to divide, to destroy the unity that God has ordained in marriage. We must not allow him to gain a foothold through bitterness, unforgiveness, or emotional distance. Instead, we must cultivate a spirit of humility, forgiveness, and love, trusting that God can heal even the deepest wounds and restore even the most broken relationships.
Meditation: Are there areas in your marriage where “putting away” has begun? Have you allowed small acts of distancing to create a divide between you and your spouse?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of marriage and the sacred union it represents. Help me to guard against “putting away” in my relationship. Soften my heart where it has become hardened, and give me the grace to forgive as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Emphasis: God hates divorce because it destroys the sacred union He designed. Guard against “putting away” in your marriage, and seek reconciliation through forgiveness, prayer, and love.
Have a Blissful Day!
