Recently I have noticed that people who I never thought would get divorced are either contemplating it or have already gone through it. I am not talking about just one individual or couple I am talking about at least 5 or more couples that I grew up with or know from work. Why has divorce become the answer? In the year 2005 over 2.2 million people were granted a divorce in the US. What does that say about our family values and our strength for working through our problems?

The Bible tells husbands to love their wives (Eph 5:25) and wives to love their husbands (Titus 2:4). Biblical love is seen primarily in choices, attitudes and actions, not in emotions. If you look at:

1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

True love is based on our promises to God and to each other, not on how we feel at the moment. So why is it so hard to remember that in "those moments" when we feel we are at our lowest? My marriage is by no means perfect but I made the choice to be married to not just my husband but God. I made a committment to the Lord not my husband that I would love, honor, respect, and remain faithful to him (my husband)...I didnt put any provisions on that vow. When I made the vow I knew that I had to do those things regardless of whether he loved, honored and cherished me or not.

If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11).

Granted, there is a reason to get divorced:

What God has joined together, let man not separate... I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery (Matthew 19:6, 9).

So I am not saying that divorce is Never the answer but in most cases, I feel, that it is not. The people that I know who are getting divorced are doing it for several for several different reasons..."I married the wrong person, it will never work," "I just don't love them anymore," "my spouse doesn't love me anymore,"...I could go on but I think these examples are enough to get my point across. Some people may feel that divorce will bring them freedom but in the end it won't because only Gods Word can bring TRUE freedom. Here are a few scriptures that I would like to point out:

"I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself [a] with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith. Malachi 2:16

In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives (1 Peter 3:1)

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:44-45)

Whether you "feel" like you love your husband/wife or not you can always trust in the Lord to bring you peace, joy, and hope. Above all don't give up on your marriage just because you are tired of dealing with it...seek the Lords help and guidance and He will deliver you and your marriage. God is on our side. He wants your marriage to work!

LIVE BY FAITH AND TRUST IN THE LORD ALWAYS!!! HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS THE PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!