Divorce: Have Mercy If You Can

I used to have chronic fatigue. I could barely walk to my mailbox— only twenty-five steps from my door—without longing for a motor scooter ride.

Sad, but true.

I had a lot of physical health issues at one point, but now that 98% of those problems have ceased, I can look back and give thanks to God. Because of those experiences, I know that people who are sick, weak, or struggling to “keep up” in life need mercy. They do not wish to be tied down by their weaknesses.

I can only imagine how hard it would have been if my husband had left me. I am sure that many women go through an infirmity of a certain kind and their own husband shames them and leaves them for a new “brand” of woman.

This could have happened to me if I had married a selfish man because I, literally, was at the end of my rope with nothing but my heart to offer. Thank God for a great guy!

So my point is this: When you see a woman physically struggling with the upkeep of her house, her health, and she’s a little desperate, consider that you could be her because you never know what a new day or season may bring.

Have mercy.

What if she became homeless? Who would be willing to provide for her? Not everyone has a family. This is what the devil works to do; split families apart.

In this passage below, Jesus refers to the covetousness and pride of the hypocrite. They coveted new women and things. They were not merciful and Jesus tells them of their fate by using the parable of the rich man and the beggar.

[18] Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. [19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. ~Luke 16:18-25 KJV

Immediately before this scripture, Jesus tells them that we no longer need the tablet law and a prophet because after John the gospel is preached and now all men press into the kingdom (i.e. They can get Christ’s baptism of the Holy Spirit and can receive the gift of prophesying; lots of prophets rather than only one due to the “kingdom of God being in you.” They walk in the Spirit.) and therefore, not one point of the law fails.

[16] The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. [17] And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. ~Luke 16:16-17 KJV

Take note: Jesus told them the law is still intact. It is now contained in the Spirit.

Jesus was warning them about their “breaking of the law” through their sin of lacking mercy and being covetous and what will happen to them.

Behind every hypocrite bearing the name Christian, who puts away their spouse who did not live up to their selfish expectations, is also the sin of lacking mercy, the sin of pride, and the sin of wanting.

It is always best to repent and treat your spouse with the love they deserve. Otherwise, you may find yourself as a tormented beggar like Lazarus forevermore.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? ~Micah 6:8 KJV