What Jesus Did! 'God Hates Divorce' — Luke 16:18

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "For example, a man who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery. And anyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."
— Luke 16:18 NLT

Key Thought

God hates divorce and it's damage, but he still loves people who have been divorced. [1] It splits families. It breaks covenants. It destroys people. It hurts children. It dishonors God's plan for marriage. He wants us to understand that his grace does not lessen his call on each of us to be faithful to his or her marriage covenant. [2] We are to be people of integrity, commitment, and faithfulness. [3]
[1] Malachi 2:16.
[2] Romans 6:1-2.
[3] Galatians 5:22-23.
Note: It is important to distinguish between divorce and divorced people. God hates divorce, not divorced people. God loves divorced people just like everyone else. It is essential for us to remember that "nothing [which includes divorce] can ever separate us from God's love" (Romans 8:38-39) and that he wants us all to come to him (2 Timothy 1:9-10; Romans 12:1-2).

Today's Prayer

Father, renew our passion to have godly marriages where our covenantal vows are kept and your will is received with honor and obeyed with passion. In Jesus name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Malachi 2:13-16
  • Matthew 19:3-9
  • Hebrews 13:4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:18 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "For example, a man who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery. And anyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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