The Heart of a Father

If we read the bible absent a revelation of the Father’s love and character, we will have rules without relationship and commands without conversation. We will have the law.

As an example, we have too often read the verse, “God hates divorce” as if it came from an angry God, without compassion or redemption. But the truth of the matter, when you read that verse from the perspective of a loving and compassionate Father we see it’s true meaning. In context, God was saying “I hate what you are doing to my daughters. You are leaving the wives of your youth destitute and unprotected.” This was actually a Father encouraging His sons to stand up and be the men they were created to be. It’s a Father protecting His daughters.

Bride and Groom Hold Hands

Yes, God still hates divorce. But this is not a condemnation on couples who find themselves in this place. It’s still a loving Father saddened by our broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams. It’s still a Father crying with us, holding us, loving us, as we have had to make the tough decision to end a covenant relationship. God hates divorce because He loves His children.

The fact that God hates divorce should actually give us great comfort. (NIV has removed this verse from their translation. I personally disagree.) We are the Bride of Christ. God hates divorce which means He can’t divorce us, for He must be true to Himself. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you have entered into a blood covenant with God which He will never break. He will never divorce you. That’s good news.

And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate]. (Malachi 2:15-16 AMP)