What Can The Church do to help People Get Through Divorce?

Author

Mark Urton
March 17, 2023

What Can The Church do to help People Get Through Divorce?

Divorce is a painful and difficult journey that no one should have to walk alone. As a community of faith, we have a responsibility to come alongside those who are going through this challenging experience and offer our love and support. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” We know that divorce was not God’s plan for marriage, but we also know that we live in a broken and fallen world where sin and brokenness exist. It’s in these moments where we can shine the light of Christ and extend the love and grace that He has shown us.

We must create a safe and non-judgmental space for those who are going through divorce. In Romans 15:7, Paul reminds us to “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” We are called to love and accept one another, regardless of our circumstances. We need to offer counseling and pastoral care to help individuals process their emotions and find hope in Christ. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Our God is a God of comfort, and we can offer His comfort to those who are hurting.

We also need to provide resources and support for individuals who are going through divorce. In Proverbs 15:22, we are reminded that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” We can offer practical advice and resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of divorce. We can also offer support groups and workshops to help individuals find community and connection during this difficult time.

As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive and extend grace to others. In Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for healing and moving forward. We can encourage individuals to forgive their ex-spouse and themselves, and find healing and freedom in Christ.

We need to create a supportive community where individuals can find acceptance and love. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul encourages us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” We can offer a safe and loving community where individuals can find belonging and support. We can create a culture of acceptance where individuals are loved and valued, regardless of their marital status.

Divorce is a painful and difficult journey, but we do not have to walk alone. As a community of faith, we can offer our love, support, and resources to those who are going through divorce. We can create a safe and non-judgmental space, offer counseling and pastoral care, provide resources and support, encourage forgiveness and grace, create a supportive community, and most importantly, point individuals to the hope and healing that is found in Christ.

Another crucial aspect of supporting those going through divorce is to provide biblical teaching and guidance on marriage and divorce. We must remind individuals of the sacredness of marriage and the importance of keeping our vows. In Malachi 2:16, God says, “I hate divorce,” and in 1 Corinthians 7:10–11, Paul urges those who are married to stay together and work through their problems. However, we also need to acknowledge that divorce is sometimes necessary and offer guidance on how to navigate this challenging process in a way that honors God.

We can teach individuals the biblical principles of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus instructs us to forgive others seventy-seven times, and in 2 Corinthians 5:18, Paul reminds us that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. We can help individuals see the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, both in their marriages and in their relationships with others.

We can also teach individuals about the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions and choices. In Galatians 6:7, Paul says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” We need to help individuals understand that their choices have consequences and that they need to take responsibility for their part in the breakdown of their marriage.

Another important aspect of supporting those going through divorce is to offer practical assistance. Divorce often involves legal and financial issues that can be overwhelming, especially for those who may not have the resources or knowledge to navigate these issues on their own. We can offer assistance with legal and financial matters, provide practical advice and support, and help individuals access the resources they need to move forward.

We must remember that divorce does not define a person’s worth or identity. In 1 Peter 2:9, we are reminded that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” We need to remind individuals that they are loved and valued by God, regardless of their marital status. We can offer encouragement and support as they rebuild their lives and find new purpose and meaning in Christ.

In conclusion, supporting those going through divorce requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses spiritual, emotional, practical, and relational support. We must create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can process their emotions and find hope in Christ. We need to provide resources and support to help individuals navigate the challenges of divorce and offer guidance on biblical principles of marriage, forgiveness, reconciliation, and responsibility. We can also offer practical assistance and remind individuals that divorce does not define their worth or identity. Above all, we must point individuals to the hope and healing that is found in Christ and offer our love and support as they walk through this difficult journey.

Here are some ways the church can offer support and guidance during this difficult time:

  1. Create a Safe Space for People to Share Their Story

One of the most important things the church can do to help people going through divorce is to provide a safe space for them to share their story. Divorce can be a taboo subject in some religious communities, and individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it. By creating an environment of acceptance and compassion, the church can encourage people to open up and share their experiences. This can help individuals feel heard, validated, and supported, which is crucial in the healing process.

2. Offer Counseling and Pastoral Care

Divorce can bring up a range of emotions, from anger and resentment to grief and sadness. It can also leave individuals feeling confused and uncertain about their future. The church can offer counseling and pastoral care to help individuals process these emotions and navigate the challenges of divorce. Pastors and other church leaders can provide emotional support, guidance, and practical advice to help individuals cope with the changes and make decisions about their future.

3. Provide Resources for Divorced Individuals

Divorce can be overwhelming, and individuals may not know where to turn for help. The church can provide resources for divorced individuals, such as support groups, workshops, and educational materials. These resources can offer practical advice on topics such as co-parenting, financial management, and coping with loneliness. They can also provide a sense of community and connection, which can be essential for individuals who may feel isolated or alone after a divorce.

4. Encourage Forgiveness and Healing

Divorce can be a traumatic experience that can leave individuals feeling hurt, angry, and resentful. The church can encourage forgiveness and healing by promoting the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. This can help individuals let go of their anger and bitterness and move towards healing and wholeness. Forgiveness can also help individuals rebuild relationships with their ex-spouse, their children, and others who may have been impacted by the divorce.

5. Provide a Supportive Community

Divorce can be an isolating experience, and individuals may feel like they are the only ones going through it. The church can provide a supportive community where individuals can find acceptance, connection, and love. This can be especially important for individuals who may have lost social connections or support after a divorce. The church can provide a space for individuals to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and offer a sense of belonging and support.

6. Create a Culture of Acceptance

Divorce can be stigmatized in some religious communities, and individuals may feel judged or shamed for their decision to end their marriage. The church can create a culture of acceptance by promoting a non-judgmental and compassionate attitude towards divorce. This can help individuals feel like they are not alone in their experiences and that they are accepted and loved by their community, regardless of their marital status.

Divorce can be a challenging experience that can leave individuals feeling lost, alone, and hopeless. The church can play a vital role in helping people get through divorce by providing a safe space for people to share their story, offering counseling and pastoral care, providing resources for divorced individuals, encouraging forgiveness and healing, providing a supportive community, and creating a culture of acceptance. By offering these forms of support, the church can help individuals navigate the challenges of divorce and move towards healing and wholeness.