Because this subject affects so many seeking people in our society, we thought it worthwhile posting this exchange between a reader and the author in response to the article "What about Divorce and Remarriage?" by Johann Christoph Arnold.

A reader commented:

Some people marry for the wrong reasons, not understanding the seriousness of it. I should know that all too well. Before I became born again, I married a man so that he could stay in the country. I didn't know him personally just through someone else. I was very gullible thinking that I am extending myself to help someone in need. We never consumated the marriage, never kissed except for that day at the court house. We never lived under the same roof.

3yrs later I became born again and learned what I did was a horrible mistake. I spoke to my pastor about what i did afraid that i would have to stay married to a man that i didn't love nor did I know if he were alive. She reassured me because I was not under God's grace and didn't know the word of God when I commited such act. Because I was young and gulible, I was taken advantage of by an older influence. Since then I have gotten married to the man that I love dearly but whenever the scripture about divorce surfaces I can't help but think that I have committed sin by remarrying and dragged my husband into my sin. I am so torn. Has God forgiven me?

tee smith

Johann Christoph Arnold responds:

Dear Friend,

Thank you for responding to my chapter, "What about Divorce and Remarriage?"

Thank you also for telling your story. I am very happy to read that since your first marriage, you have come to faith and that you have accepted Jesus. The teachings of Jesus about divorce and remarriage are very clear. This we cannot change. I believe very much in these teachings. Yet with the help of Jesus we have to find an answer to your situation which will bring you peace.

You should know that my wife and I will be praying for you. We have been married for 46 years. We had eight children and have 42 grandchildren. So a marriage between one man and one woman until death parts, does work. It would be wonderful if one day we could see one another face to face, and seek in the Bible together as to what Jesus would like us to do.

Dear friend, God is a very loving God. He knows everything that is in your heart. Put your trust in him. He is not going to forsake you.

With kind regards,

Johann Christoph and Verena Arnold

 

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Your Turn. Tell us what you thought about this article:

Responses

Thank you for sharing this. I also struggle a lot over this same issue. I was in a very abusive relationship where my husband actually almost killed me one night. Friends told me that even if I did not believe in divorce, if I did not leave him I would end up dead. And so I left although at the time I did not believe at all in divorce. I was too naive and gullible when I first met him to know what a relationship was all about. I had just lost a baby only to find out that after our 5 years of marriage he had a one year old son by another woman. Since then, I feel that God brought me to my husband now. I can't explain it because I don't think God likes divorce at all, but somehow I feel that it was God's hand too that brought me to my husband that I am with and love very much. I wondernow about this question a lot. I know that God forgives and wants us to have a life that is also fulfilling and in the path that He puts in front of us. Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate all the discussions about marriage.

Nicole
Newnan, GA

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I too married someone who was illegal in the country, he did talk me into it & although i did love him i did not want to marry as i had been married before . This meant i was divorced twice before i was 33 .I am now 56 & became a christian 5 years ago & while im not thinking of marriage i met a very sincere but ( NON-CHRISTIAN ) man 5 months ago & know in the eyes of GOD he wouldn't agree with me living with this man , please send me your views on this as this man has asked me to live with him ? The fact that you have been married 46 years is very sacred !

Chris
Alkmaar, Netherlands

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Each couple is about to get married and start a new household, should be coined a Christian vision of marriage. Marriage is a vocation. God who brought you both to foster a relationship of mutual complement and enhance each other. God, too, who planted the seed of marriage-love in your mind. And as the seed, marriage-love must be nurtured, maintained up to develop mature and bear fruit. But remember, that the seeds of love were planted in earthen vessels are easily cracked. Prayer, Bible reading and diligent celebrate the Holy Eucharist is the spiritual measures to rejuvenate the marriage-love. If so, the temptation to divorce can always be overcome because God always keeps you both. God bless you.

Mali Benyamin Michael
Bekasi - Jawa Barat, Indonesia