The Hardness of People’s Hearts

[Biblelesson]

It’s fascinating, isn’t it….just how nervous we as Christians can be of context, of nuance and complexity. Just like We see in these Christian forums, our beliefs can be so tightly bound to our identities, that rarely do we regard anyone else's point of view if it doesn't fall in line with our own.

If we’re honest, all of us have formed some deeply held opinions based on tiny portions of text that presented in an impassioned, black-or-white tone of voice. And it feels good, doesn’t it, because life moves so fast, that it’s actually hard to find time to read longer, dig deeper, think harder and ultimately ask tougher questions. How many of our recent political opinions are based on a Facebook post we read and reacted strongly to? Even more seriously, how many of our Christian beliefs are based on single Bible verses we shouted ‘Amen’ to without knowing the context they were written in?

“For I hate divorce! Says the Lord, the God of Israel…”Malachi 2:16

Of all the Bible verses about divorce, this or some variation of the statement “God hates divorce”, must be among the most recited by Christians. It’s right there, in black-and-white, so what is there to debate? Yet it would be interesting to poll how many Christians know that this is only half of the verse.

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16

The whole verse is certainly less quotable but it suggests a context that has been ignored in favor of the punchy, one-size fits all quote. In fact, a scan of the whole chapter paints a picture of the specific things that were happening amongst God’s people, that grieved Him enough to declare hatred for divorce.

Over the last few years, the Christian world have been rocked by story after story of married men of God with world-renowned ministries involved in long-standing affairs or sexual abuse. Away from the Western spotlight, the recent death of female Nigerian worship leader Osinachi Nwachukwu has caused mourning and anger as allegations have surfaced that her fatal injuries were caused by prolonged domestic violence. This has only been made worse as revelations emerge that her church taught her and others that there were no Biblical grounds for divorce, a teaching which may have persuaded this daughter of God to remain in a marriage, where she was allegedly victimized and ultimately killed. Is it surprising that issues like this are causing many broken-hearted young Christians to reconsider whether they even believe in God at all, let alone key tenets of the Christian faith?

Ironically, while we have accepted the bumper-sticker quote, has our lack of context allowed us to continue the very sins & injustices that angered God enough to declare hatred for divorce? Do we see how quoting half a Scripture out of context at divorced people, or abuse victims may actually miss the heart of God entirely? Can we admit to not having all the answers and prepare to wrestle with God’s word in context?

 

[Rockson]

It’s fascinating, isn’t it….just how nervous we as Christians can be of context, of nuance and complexity. Just like We see in these Christian forums, our beliefs can be so tightly bound to our identities, that rarely do we regard anyone else's point of view if it doesn't fall in line with our own.

If we’re honest, all of us have formed some deeply held opinions based on tiny portions of text that presented in an impassioned, black-or-white tone of voice. And it feels good, doesn’t it, because life moves so fast, that it’s actually hard to find time to read longer, dig deeper, think harder and ultimately ask tougher questions. How many of our recent political opinions are based on a Facebook post we read and reacted strongly to? Even more seriously, how many of our Christian beliefs are based on single Bible verses we shouted ‘Amen’ to without knowing the context they were written in?

“For I hate divorce! Says the Lord, the God of Israel…”Malachi 2:16

Of all the Bible verses about divorce, this or some variation of the statement “God hates divorce”, must be among the most recited by Christians. It’s right there, in black-and-white, so what is there to debate? Yet it would be interesting to poll how many Christians know that this is only half of the verse.

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16

The whole verse is certainly less quotable but it suggests a context that has been ignored in favor of the punchy, one-size fits all quote. In fact, a scan of the whole chapter paints a picture of the specific things that were happening amongst God’s people, that grieved Him enough to declare hatred for divorce.

Over the last few years, the Christian world have been rocked by story after story of married men of God with world-renowned ministries involved in long-standing affairs or sexual abuse. Away from the Western spotlight, the recent death of female Nigerian worship leader Osinachi Nwachukwu has caused mourning and anger as allegations have surfaced that her fatal injuries were caused by prolonged domestic violence. This has only been made worse as revelations emerge that her church taught her and others that there were no Biblical grounds for divorce, a teaching which may have persuaded this daughter of God to remain in a marriage, where she was allegedly victimized and ultimately killed. Is it surprising that issues like this are causing many broken-hearted young Christians to reconsider whether they even believe in God at all, let alone key tenets of the Christian faith?

Ironically, while we have accepted the bumper-sticker quote, has our lack of context allowed us to continue the very sins & injustices that angered God enough to declare hatred for divorce? Do we see how quoting half a Scripture out of context at divorced people, or abuse victims may actually miss the heart of God entirely? Can we admit to not having all the answers and prepare to wrestle with God’s word in context?

An interesting post.

 

[Believe]

I was divorced from my first wife back in the seventies and neither one of us were Christians. But still when speaking in a home group church meeting I feel uncomfortable saying "My first wife".

I'm okay with it in a one-on-one conversation because I can explain the whole trip. We met in the 60s and we were both hippies. Need I say more? We met in Amsterdam, Holland in a nightclub called The Underground. The desire of her heart was to immigrate to the United States. She had made several attempts that failed. So marrying a US citizen was a guaranteed ticket to US citizenship.

So she got what she wanted, The problem was I was still dealing with my demons namely drugs and alcohol. I was totally into sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. A phrase used to indicate a wild, hedonistic lifestyle. and the marriage ended in divorce.

I thank God for pulling me out of all that and for giving me a wonderful Godly woman for a wife that I have today.

 

[civic]

I was divorced from my first wife back in the seventies and neither one of us were Christians. But still when speaking in a home group church meeting I feel uncomfortable saying "My first wife".

I'm okay with it in a one-on-one conversation because I can explain the whole trip. We met in the 60s and we were both hippies. Need I say more? We met in Amsterdam, Holland in a nightclub called The Underground. The desire of her heart was to immigrate to the United States. She had made several attempts that failed. So marrying a US citizen was a guaranteed ticket to US citizenship.

So she got what she wanted, The problem was I was still dealing with my demons namely drugs and alcohol. I was totally into sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. A phrase used to indicate a wild, hedonistic lifestyle. and the marriage ended in divorce.

I thank God for pulling me out of all that and for giving me a wonderful Godly woman for a wife that I have today.

yes many men have succumb to what you experienced above. I'm glad you have found a godly woman the second time around. I always say behind every good man is a better woman.

 

[Peterlag]

Can you get me back on the site? I'm logged out. [email protected]

 

[dwight92070]

It’s fascinating, isn’t it….just how nervous we as Christians can be of context, of nuance and complexity. Just like We see in these Christian forums, our beliefs can be so tightly bound to our identities, that rarely do we regard anyone else's point of view if it doesn't fall in line with our own.

If we’re honest, all of us have formed some deeply held opinions based on tiny portions of text that presented in an impassioned, black-or-white tone of voice. And it feels good, doesn’t it, because life moves so fast, that it’s actually hard to find time to read longer, dig deeper, think harder and ultimately ask tougher questions. How many of our recent political opinions are based on a Facebook post we read and reacted strongly to? Even more seriously, how many of our Christian beliefs are based on single Bible verses we shouted ‘Amen’ to without knowing the context they were written in?

“For I hate divorce! Says the Lord, the God of Israel…”Malachi 2:16

Of all the Bible verses about divorce, this or some variation of the statement “God hates divorce”, must be among the most recited by Christians. It’s right there, in black-and-white, so what is there to debate? Yet it would be interesting to poll how many Christians know that this is only half of the verse.

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:16

The whole verse is certainly less quotable but it suggests a context that has been ignored in favor of the punchy, one-size fits all quote. In fact, a scan of the whole chapter paints a picture of the specific things that were happening amongst God’s people, that grieved Him enough to declare hatred for divorce.

Over the last few years, the Christian world have been rocked by story after story of married men of God with world-renowned ministries involved in long-standing affairs or sexual abuse. Away from the Western spotlight, the recent death of female Nigerian worship leader Osinachi Nwachukwu has caused mourning and anger as allegations have surfaced that her fatal injuries were caused by prolonged domestic violence. This has only been made worse as revelations emerge that her church taught her and others that there were no Biblical grounds for divorce, a teaching which may have persuaded this daughter of God to remain in a marriage, where she was allegedly victimized and ultimately killed. Is it surprising that issues like this are causing many broken-hearted young Christians to reconsider whether they even believe in God at all, let alone key tenets of the Christian faith?

Ironically, while we have accepted the bumper-sticker quote, has our lack of context allowed us to continue the very sins & injustices that angered God enough to declare hatred for divorce? Do we see how quoting half a Scripture out of context at divorced people, or abuse victims may actually miss the heart of God entirely? Can we admit to not having all the answers and prepare to wrestle with God’s word in context?

Biblelesson said: "If we’re honest, all of us have formed some deeply held opinions based on tiny portions of text that presented in an impassioned, black-or-white tone of voice. And it feels good, doesn’t it, because life moves so fast, that it’s actually hard to find time to read longer, dig deeper, think harder and ultimately ask tougher questions. How many of our recent political opinions are based on a Facebook post we read and reacted strongly to? Even more seriously, how many of our Christian beliefs are based on single Bible verses we shouted ‘Amen’ to without knowing the context they were written in?"

You have made some good points but I don't agree with others.

First of all, I don't know where you get your 2nd half of Malachi 2:16. I checked both the NASB and the KJV - neither of them read the way yours does.

My NASB says: "For I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with wrong, says the Lord of hosts. So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

In Malachi 2:10-17, the context is Israeli men who have married women who serve foreign gods. God calls that treacherous. Then he goes on to speak of Israeli men who treacherously divorce the wife of their youth, even though she is their companion and their wife by covenant.

I agree with you that there are many innocent wives who have been abused, and yet feel like they must remain with their husband. And there are innocent husbands who have been abused as well. If a married person is abused by their spouse, I know of no command in scripture that tells them that they must remain living with that person.

In fact, Paul said, "Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace." 1 Corinthians 7:15 Any person who physically, sexually, or verbally abuses his spouse, is NOT a believer even though he may think he is. And when they abuse their spouse - they have left them (and God) and their marriage. I believe the innocent abused spouse is free to leave the abuser and marry someone else, only in the Lord, because Paul said that "the brother or sister is not under bondage (to that marriage) in such cases.
Also, if either spouse refuses to regularly engage in sexual intercourse, in my opinion, they too have left their marriage and their spouse AND God. A "marriage" without sexual intercourse is NOT a marriage. Paul says that sexual intercourse is their duty to each other. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

Of course, just having an argument with your spouse does not constitute, in itself, verbal abuse. People should not use that as an excuse to leave the marriage. But chronic, hateful, demeaning, filthy, verbal attacks - is verbal abuse. A true Christian will NOT do that.

I suppose there are those persons who base their entire doctrinal beliefs on tiny portions of text, or on single Bible verses, but I doubt that those persons are even saved. A person who is truly a disciple of Jesus will "continue in Jesus' word". If they don't, they aren't - it's quite simple.

Many people think they are Christians because they attend church and their "doctrine" is whatever they heard in the latest sermon (or even a secular speech). But they don't delve into the word on their own at all. I think it is true that you can easily see how close a person is to God, by how close they stay to their Bibles. In fact, that's a good barometer for choosing a spouse - choosing one who loves the Bible -avoiding one who avoids the Bible.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Biblelesson said: "If we’re honest, all of us have formed some deeply held opinions based on tiny portions of text that presented in an impassioned, black-or-white tone of voice. And it feels good, doesn’t it, because life moves so fast, that it’s actually hard to find time to read longer, dig deeper, think harder and ultimately ask tougher questions. How many of our recent political opinions are based on a Facebook post we read and reacted strongly to? Even more seriously, how many of our Christian beliefs are based on single Bible verses we shouted ‘Amen’ to without knowing the context they were written in?"

You have made some good points but I don't agree with others.

First of all, I don't know where you get your 2nd half of Malachi 2:16. I checked both the NASB and the KJV - neither of them read the way yours does.

My NASB says: "For I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with wrong, says the Lord of hosts. So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

In Malachi 2:10-17, the context is Israeli men who have married women who serve foreign gods. God calls that treacherous. Then he goes on to speak of Israeli men who treacherously divorce the wife of their youth, even though she is their companion and their wife by covenant.

I agree with you that there are many innocent wives who have been abused, and yet feel like they must remain with their husband. And there are innocent husbands who have been abused as well. If a married person is abused by their spouse, I know of no command in scripture that tells them that they must remain living with that person.

In fact, Paul said, "Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace." 1 Corinthians 7:15 Any person who physically, sexually, or verbally abuses his spouse, is NOT a believer even though he may think he is. And when they abuse their spouse - they have left them (and God) and their marriage. I believe the innocent abused spouse is free to leave the abuser and marry someone else, only in the Lord, because Paul said that "the brother or sister is not under bondage (to that marriage) in such cases.
Also, if either spouse refuses to regularly engage in sexual intercourse, in my opinion, they too have left their marriage and their spouse AND God. A "marriage" without sexual intercourse is NOT a marriage. Paul says that sexual intercourse in their duty to each other. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

Of course, just having an argument with your spouse does not constitute, in itself, verbal abuse. People should not use that as an excuse to leave the marriage. But chronic, hateful, demeaning, filthy, verbal attacks is verbal abuse. A true Christian will NOT do that.

I suppose there are those persons who base their entire doctrinal beliefs on tiny portions of text, or on single Bible verses, but I doubt that those persons are even saved. A person who is truly a disciple of Jesus will "continue in Jesus' word". If they don't, they aren't - it's quite simple.

What if the abuser doesn't abandon the abused?