Love That Lasts: 30 Days to a Stronger Marriageਨਮੂਨਾ

Taking the Plunge

"A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)

Divorce often looks like a “quick fix” for an unpleasant situation, but it is usually far more painful than advertised. Contemplating those on the verge of taking this drastic step brings to mind a documentary film made during the early days of motion pictures. It shows a self‐styled inventor near the top of the Eiffel Tower with a pair of homemade wings strapped to his arms. He paces back and forth, trying to work up the courage to jump. If the wings work, he’ll be famous. If they fail, he’ll fall to his death. Finally, the “flier” climbs on the rail, wobbles for a moment, then jumps—and drops like a rock.

Depressed and hurting spouses who choose divorce are like that hapless man on the Eiffel Tower. They feel that they can’t go back, and they’re enticed forward by the lure of freedom—of soaring away, leaving the pain and disappointment behind. So they jump . . . only to find themselves tumbling headlong into custody battles, loneliness, bitterness, and even poverty. In time, the long‐term cost of their decision becomes clear. Some again see their mate’s good qualities, but by then it’s too late. They’ve already taken the plunge.

Questions for Today . . .

• When have you jumped into a situation that you later regretted?
• Has Scripture ever helped you avoid such a mistake? When?
• What is the attraction and danger of “quick fix” solutions in marriage?
• Why do you think God commands us to avoid divorce?

Prayer . . .

Lord of married lovers, You have called us to commitment. When forsaking our covenant seems easier than staying, grant us courage. Help us to recognize the deceitfulness of the divorce “solution.” Protect our marriage from every harm, including our own short-sightedness. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)

Bonus Content: A Portrait of Marriage

Even before sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, God created marriage as a symbol of the relationship between Christ and His church. This is how precious this institution is to our Heavenly Father. In this video, Matt and Ariel Holcomb paint a beautiful portrait of this Holy covenant, and explain why Christians should try to avoid a divorce, and instead seek godly counsel to bring healing and reconciliation.