To put this Scripture in context, Jesus is responding to the question from the Pharisee, “Isn’t it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason.” For centuries, people have used this passage to condemn people who have been divorced. Such an interpretation, I believe, violates a more important command to love your neighbor.

I experienced divorce about 50 years ago. I had recently moved to Tennessee and had no family here besides my wife and three-year-old daughter. I became legally separated from my wife six months after moving to Tennessee.

I absorbed myself in my work and church. My church and close neighbors were very welcoming and accepting of me in my new status of being single. Due to irreconcilable differences, I was divorced several months later. Years ago, some churches were not accepting of divorced people. Later, they became more sensitive to the spiritual and emotional needs of divorced persons. Some even held gatherings or support groups for persons experiencing divorce.

From my own experience, I would encourage couples to do all they can to save their marriage, especially where children are involved. But I realize that some marriages simply cannot be saved. As a church and individual Christians, we need to support and nurture as appropriate people we know who are experiencing divorce.

How do we do that? I suggest praying for them. I would also suggest sending them a card and let them know you are praying for them and hope that they can have some peace and relief of their situation. Many families have been touched by divorce. My wife and I both were divorced, and we just celebrated our fourty-eighth anniversary. In those stituations where we know of a divorce, we need to do “what Jesus would do.”

Dear God, help us as individuals and as a church to be more caring and sensitive of those struggling to hold their family together and those experiencing divorce. Amen.

This devotional was written by Emmit Rawls and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.