Other Divorce/Divorce Recovery Resources

"It takes both husband and wife working together to make marriage successful.  Marriage is not a 50/50 compromise, but rather full 100/100 percent giving effort on the part of both husband and wife."  ( Dr. Herbert J. Miles)

DNA Relationship Question (Dr. Gary Smalley)     http://www.dnaofrelationships.com/

Q:  My husband and I have been to countless counseling sessions, have attended several marriage conferences, and have read many books in an attempt to save our marriage.  We have learned a lot, but sad to say, things aren't that much better.  What are we missing or not doing right?
 

Love Must Be Tough; Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family

            Excellent resource for when divorce is threatened

The Divorce Dilemma (CD by John MacArthur)    www.gty.org

Moving  Forward;  Devotional Guide to Finding Hope and Peace in the Midst of Divorce,

Jim Smoke

The Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Workbook;  Burns/Whiteman

Over 400 Christian books written on divorce at www.christianbook.com

What the Scriptures Say. . .

In Malachi it says, "I, the Lord, hate divorce."  The Lord hates divorce—it conflicts with His plan for our lives.  He already knows the heartache, broken family relationships, and ongoing difficulties that usually accompany divorce.  Most of those who have experienced divorce would likely agree, knowing the brokenness and how divorce has affected their lives.   The books listed below are excellent Christian counsel for those involved with divorce.  Below are a number of scriptures concerning divorce, divorce recovery, and family relationships.  Hopefully, these will prove encouraging to you.  The Bible unquestionably proclaims divorce to be a sin, but certainly not a sin that cannot be forgiven.  Herein is the best source of wise counsel and encouragement for those who are experiencing divorce and family difficulties.

"Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it."   Ephesians 5:25

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord."   Ephesians 5:22

(Please note: This scripture is sometimes misinterpreted.  Submission does not mean a wife must subject herself to just anything her husband happens to demand.  She has no obligation to submit to any demands that are contrary to what the Word of God says.  Neither does submission mean that a wife cannot express her own opinion.)

Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.  But it was not this way from the beginning.  I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."   Matthew 19:8-9

"To the married, I give this command (not I, but the Lord):  a wife must not separate from her husband.  But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.  And a husband must not divorce his wife."   1 Corinthians 7:10-11

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.   

Philippians 2:3-5

"I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel, "and I hate a man’s covering himself 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

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.  The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.   Psalm 138:7-8

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.  Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.   Isaiah 50:7

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.   1 Peter 3:8,9

If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so.  A believing man or woman is not bound by such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.  How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?  Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?   1 Corinthians 7:15-16

Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?  Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."   Matthew 18:21-22

Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act...  "He that without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. . .has no one condemned you?  Go your way and sin no more."   John 8

…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.   Philippians 3:13b

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.   Proverbs 15:22

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things have become new.   2 Corinthians 5:17

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.   Jeremiah 17:14

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.   John 4:18a

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.   Psalm 139:23-24

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.   Matthew 19:6

The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.   

1 Corinthians 7:4

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature, its passions and desires.  Galatians 5:22-24

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.   1 Timothy 5:8

He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind…   Proverbs 11:29a

Marriage must be respected by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge immoral people and adulterers.   Hebrews 13:4

…but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.   Joshua 24:15b