Go ahead. Fill in the blank. With just about anything. Our society does. The marriage vow traditionally declares faithfulness “until death do us part,” a Biblical concept based in part on Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:6, “What God has joined together, let man not separate.”
But our culture offers plenty of “outs.” Take your pick and fill in the blank:
About a decade ago, Pat Robertson of “The 700 Club” declared it was acceptable for a man whose wife has Alzheimer’s disease to divorce her so that he could begin dating and find more responsive companionship. Robertson said that Alzheimer’s is a “kind of death” which makes ending such a marriage acceptable.
In the eyes of Pat.
But not in the eyes of God.
Alzheimer’s is a terrible, frustrating, debilitating disease for both the victims and those who care for them. Never underestimate the importance of constant and faithful love and support to such precious lambs of God. Never underestimate the importance and the blessings of carrying out the Lord’s command to “love your wife as Christ loved the church.”
Imagine if Christ Jesus has sought more suitable companionship than us sin-infected creatures. But he is a God of grace and mercy and unconditional love. Such love is expressed in marriage. God help us to love and support as he loves us.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
But our culture offers plenty of “outs.” Take your pick and fill in the blank:
- Anger
- Drifting
- Incompatibility
- Too much time with the guys/Too much time with the girls
- Financial trouble
- A lack of communication
- A lack of sex/too much sex
- Disagreements over the kids/jobs/vacation time
- Boredom
About a decade ago, Pat Robertson of “The 700 Club” declared it was acceptable for a man whose wife has Alzheimer’s disease to divorce her so that he could begin dating and find more responsive companionship. Robertson said that Alzheimer’s is a “kind of death” which makes ending such a marriage acceptable.
In the eyes of Pat.
But not in the eyes of God.
Alzheimer’s is a terrible, frustrating, debilitating disease for both the victims and those who care for them. Never underestimate the importance of constant and faithful love and support to such precious lambs of God. Never underestimate the importance and the blessings of carrying out the Lord’s command to “love your wife as Christ loved the church.”
Imagine if Christ Jesus has sought more suitable companionship than us sin-infected creatures. But he is a God of grace and mercy and unconditional love. Such love is expressed in marriage. God help us to love and support as he loves us.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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