Exodus 20 is immensely helpful in centering a Christian approach to divorce. Jesus Christ freed us from from our shortcomings here, of course. Romans 3:21-24. But “does this mean that we can forget about the law?” as Paul asks at Verse 31. Of course not. If someone claims, ‘I know God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commands, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Commandment 8 reads: “You must not steal.” Exodus 20:15…. Continue Reading…
September 3, 2009
Every so often, someone suggests to me that “the Christian approach to divorce” is inherently negotiation from a position of weakness. They cite Luke 6:29-30 in particular. “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” The Quest Study Bible provides an interesting commentary to this point on page 1427. “In this context, Jesus was talking primarily about religious intolerance. When we are persecuted… Continue Reading…
November 19, 2004
“Harsh startups” — I avoid ’em as best I can, thanks to research from John Gottman. [1] That’s why the first session in my current Divorce Recovery Workshop started out with administrative and housekeeping items, just like all those before it. “Here’s my cell phone number for direct access between weekly meetings. Help yourself to beverages at any time during the presentation. If it’s dark outside when we close the meeting, I will walk you to your car….” Who could have seen that last remark as the humdinger it became this time? “How about if I walk you to your… Continue Reading…