Love That Lasts: 30 Days to a Stronger MarriageSample

No Fault?

"Anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Matthew 19:9)

One reason divorce has become so common today is the advent of “no‐fault” divorce laws, first introduced in California in 1969. Over the following fifteen years, every state in America adopted some form of no‐fault legislation. And to what result? According to the Statistical Abstract of the United States, since these laws began taking effect, the number of divorces in this country has increased 279 percent.

In essence, no‐fault divorce has nullified the sacredness of marriage in the eyes of the law, making it an unenforceable contract. A man and woman can abandon their family more easily than they can abrogate almost any other agreement that bears their signature. In terms of the law, it matters not that they’ve made a solemn promise before God, friends, relatives, a member of the clergy, or a licensed representative of the state.

However, no matter how easy the laws make it to get a divorce, it will always remain infinitely difficult to repair the damage.

Questions for Today . . .

• What would you say to the couple who insist, “Our divorce is nobody’s fault. We just didn’t get along, so we’re going our separate ways.”?
• Do I know anyone who has sought a divorce, only to regret the move?
• Am I committed to staying together, even through tough times?

Prayer . . .

Lord, the courts have made it so easy to tear apart that which You have bound together. Forgive us, forgive our land, and bring us to repentance. Help us keep Your commands as the ultimate law of our marriage and family. Amen.

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

Bonus Content: Why God Hates Divorce

Many couples think there’s nothing wrong with no-fault divorce. They might say, “We don’t get along, so why should we stay together?” In this video, Matt and Ariel Holcomb explain that God is the one who created the institution of marriage, so we need to examine it from His perspective. One passage in the Bible specifically reveals how much our Heavenly Father blesses the marital union and hates to see it destroyed.