John 10:10 (NIV) “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” Matthew 5:31-32 (NLT) “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ {32} But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.” Matthew 19:3 (NIV) Some Pharisees came to [Jesus]. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” Question: Is Divorce Acceptable? Problem: Misunderstand Marriage Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV) “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ {5} and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? {6} So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” What reasons does God give for divorce? Abandonment—1 Cor. 7:15; 1 Tim 5:8 Abuse—Isaiah 59:6-7 Adultery—Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9 Matthew 19:7-8 (NIV) “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” {8} Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. Rev. 2:4-5 (NIV) “You have forsaken your first love. Remember…and do the things you did at first.” Taking Your Marriage To An HNL: Have An Others Focus 1 Cor. 13: 4-7 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. {5} It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. {6} Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. {7} It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Speak Their Love Language 4 basic needs of men: Honor Sex Friend Domestic support 4 basic needs of a women: Security Communication Non-sexual affection Leadership 1 John 3:18 (NLT) Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Look To Christ Not Your Spouse For Fulfillment John 6:35 (NLT) “Whoever believes [trust] in me will never be thirsty.” Psalm 133: 1,3 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.