Today's Verse: Malachi 2:16

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

"I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel, ..."So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith."
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

My heart breaks for those who hear these words of this verse and feel a shattering in their souls because of what they have endured. God hates the pain, damage, loss, sorrow, and physical damage you carry. We mourn with those who had to leave their marriage to find spiritual, emotional, and physical protection. In our throw-away world, God hates when people are abandoned and we break our lives and others' through unrighteous behaviors. We want our spirits to be holy. We don't want our hearts corrupted by selfishness and resentment. We choose NOT to break faith: we refuse to treat those closest to us with contempt, neglect, or abuse. When people are broken by what causes divorce and the consequences of it, let's find them, include them, and bring them home to God's family for healing. Let's especially be sensitive and supportive of children caught between divorcing parents. Let's remember that God hates divorce and what causes it, but he does not say, "I hate the divorced." All sin is forgivable when we genuinely repent and reorient our lives to God (1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2).

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please make our words strong, our commitments lasting, and our lives faithful to our promises to you and each other. Bless those whose hearts have been shattered by spouses who have treated them unfairly, abusively, and unfaithfully. Thank you for the beautiful examples of many who have had strong marriages. Thank you for those who have stumbled but come back to you, confessed their sins, and gone on to build godly relationships and marriages. Please bless me and my house with a legacy of faithfulness that lasts generations after us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Malachi 2:16 — "I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel, ..."So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 16, 2016

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name!"
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Cities well fortified have broad walls, and so had Jerusalem in her glory. The New Jerusalem must, in like manner, be surrounded and preserved by a..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued,] "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.""

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.