Considering Divorce?

Might be time for you to try a new church. 😔

“GOD HATES DIVORCE.”

There were certain tropes that I learned as a Sunday School child of the 80’s, and you better believe, this was at the top of the list.

I could list some more here, but why? For some of you, those old messages that the church shouted at us still play through your mind on repeat; to name them would just be reigniting hurt that you’d rather move on from. I’ve talked to enough of you to know of which I speak.

But God hates divorce will always be one that I remember…shall we say, fondly?

No, fondly is definitely not how I remember it.

Instead I remember it coming with two (AND ONLY TWO) caveats. If a married couple at your church suddenly got a divorce then you can bet your bottom dollar that he either abandoned her or was a cheater. That was the only two “good” reasons she had to divorce him. (Notice I didn’t mention abuse. NOTICE I DIDN’T MENTION ABUSE! What in the wide world??) And if she dared to leave him for any other reason than that, I’m sure the people at the Lutheran church would welcome her with open arms. Just not us. Just not at my church.

I was too young to cry over that atrocity then. But this is now. And it physically breaks my heart to think about what this did to women.

And I’m shocked there was ever a day in the Body of Christ that we placed more importance on marriage than on Meridith…or Mary…Monica or Melanie.

The Radke Show podcast that comes out today is an interview between me and a girlfriend of mine. Diana was raised just like me. Diana was taught to believe just like me. But what happens when her marriage is over, and she’s the worship pastor of a church? What happens when her marriage is dead but there are strong-held beliefs in the church that are very much alive?

If you are divorced, going through a divorce or love someone who is, today’s show is for you. It is packed with pain and yet, possibility. Only God.

I do believe God hates divorce.

But I also believe God loves US more.

Listen or Watch it here:

I love you,

Melissa

P.S. Are you listening to The Radke Show Podcast? Why the heck not?

We release a new episode every Tuesday and Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else you can catch a podcast.