Describing Unfaithfulness

Mal 2:10-12, 16

• Umbrella condemnation: treason agains how God has worked in the past and is working now
• Marrying spiritual incompatibility (Mal 2:11)
  • Tolerance without intervention makes whole people culpable (Mal 2:12)
• Widespread adultery (Mal 2:14-15)
• Violence and hatred in the divorce (Mal 2:16)
• When marriage is treated lightly, it (along with society) flounders or fails instead of flourishes!
  • Longevity of life, lower depression rates, greater happiness, greater positive outcomes for kids, reduction in crime, reduction in poverty

God's Attitude Toward Unfaithfulness

Mal 2:13

• Indifference toward their tears
• Refusing religious covering (1 Pet 3:7)

Biblical Reasons for Divorce

• Adultery (Matt 19:9)
• Abandonment (1 Cor 7:10-11)
• Abuse (Eph 5:28-29)

Please note: divorce is never commended, even when it is allowed.

How do we strengthen our marriage? Six Pillars by Adam Lane Smith

1. Trust
2. Emotional Safety
3. Respect
4. Communication
5. Intimacy
6. Shared Vision

What might God say to me?

• You might own repentance to someone
• You can honor Jesus in your current marriage
• You can do it better this time because of Jesus and His work