Hope for All

“If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive” (Luke 17:3).

Whether rightly or wrongly done, divorce and remarriage must not be dealt with as a continuing sinful state when the parties have expressed their repentance and/or forgiveness. To deny or withhold a fully contrite and repentant believer from participation in the life of the church is against the teaching of Scripture. Whether remarried or single, divorced people seeking God should be welcome in all our churches.

Jesus demonstrated that repentance and renewal are possible in a beautiful story of his interaction with Peter. In John 21:15-19, we learn that Jesus allows failure. Jesus knew Peter would fail and cautioned him to resist temptation (John 13:36-38). But while he did not arrange or encourage Peter’s failure, he did not stop the course of events. Instead, Jesus prayed for him (Luke 22:32), assuring Peter that he would be with him through whatever happened. This is an amazing mystery about the love of God.

Peter denied Jesus not just once or twice but thrice! Peter responded by weeping bitterly (Luke 22:61-62). Genuine repentance begins with the admission that we have done wrong. We repent when we take responsibility for our sins, rather than blaming circumstances or other people, and acknowledge that we have the freedom to change. After Peter failed and repented, Jesus reinstated Peter and even offered him church leadership.

Divorce and remarriage are divine concessions to the weakness, frailty, and sin of God’s people. Weakness and failure are not to be denied but rather redeemed. Failure does not have to be the final word for a person who has gone through a divorce. The Scriptures offer redemption and grace even after sin. Grace says that the process of renewal for every human being is available in Christ Jesus.

Reflection

As you reflect on the insights God gave you during this devotional, you may be feeling very heavily the burden you carry for those you love who are suffering through a divorce. Remembering that Galatians 6:2 tells us to carry each other’s burdens, ask God to show you at least one friend with whom you can share this burden. Take some time to share with them your concerns and what you feel God is calling you to do. Then ask them to pray with you about it.

This content was adapted from The Divorce Dilemma by Rev. Dr. Ron Misiko and Rev. Dr. Ray Motsi. Read the full book to learn more about navigating the challenge of responding with grace to divorce.