Read it for YOURSELF!

ok, so i'm sure you've all seen the tv shows like dr.phil, oprah, and all the judge so-and-so shows where a spouse has been unfaithful and their trying to decide whether or not they should stay married.

for me, when i think of being married someday, if my husband were to be unfaithful, he's out the door! it's a non-negotiable. i knew that the Bible says God hates divorce. i got that. but in the back of my mind i always thought somehow God would understand that reason.

and in church, honestly, you don't hear a lot about marriage, or what the Bible says about marriage. and if we do, it's usually referring to paul who thought it was better to stay single if you could help it. he didn't sound too enthusiastic about the whole idea of marriage.

anyways, i guess that's why i was so surprised when i was reading matthew 19 a few days ago. the first 12 verses talk about divorce. the religious people are trying to trick Jesus, like they always are, and this time they ask him, "is it legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?" (the Message) Jesus proceeds to answer them, but they continue to argue with Him. In His second answer, He says, "...I'm holding you to the original plan, and holding you liable for adultery if you divorce your faithful wife and then marry someone else. I make an exception in cases where the spouse has committed adultery."

i never knew Jesus actually said that! i also didn't know He was so "pro-marriage." In verses 11 and 12, Jesus says, "not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. it requires a certain aptitude and grace. marriage isn't for everyone. some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. others never get asked - or accepted. and some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. but if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it." (the Message)

i also love how it reads in the NIV: "not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given." (v11) and the end of verse 12 reads, "the one who can accept this should accept it." and in the ESV it reads, "let the one who is able to receive this receive it." (v12)

i've never heard those passages used when discussing marriage. it's as if at times, paul's words, thoughts, and teachings are put above the very One who inspired it all.... but i was very happy to find those gems for myself.... i could always use more of Jesus' words....