The possibility of repentance (Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7)

Years ago BSF was studying Revelation and I had my nephews over for the weekend and did a lesson over breakfast. The children's lesson had fill in the blanks that were really obvious, like for Revelation 2:3, "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary."

I asked the boys, what's an example of hardship you have to endure. They couldn't think of anything, then the oldest said; I know a hardship is a friendship that's hard. 

Those boys are in high school now and one of them said "Ben, you changed our lives forever back then, you introduced us to Taco Bell." Not exactly the impact statement I've hoped for, but I love those guys and I'm proud of them.

Now we're gearing up for Revelation study in 2024-205 and I'm reaching out to potential leaders to lead BSFOnline.org groups. I was reading leadership requirements and found this area on marriage qualifications. 

Even though there is a biblical basis for divorce (one’s spouse is guilty of porneia), the person should seek to persevere and protect the marriage if there is any possibility of repentance (Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:6; 1 Corinthians 7). The first steps are to pray, seek biblical counseling through a local church or an organization such as Peacemaker Ministries, and trust God to bring reconciliation. God has done many miracles in marriages through this approach.

I have friends I've been able to reconnect with over the past few days that are struggling in their marriage. These words jumped out for me "For the believing wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the believing husband brings holiness to his marriage." 1 Cor 7:14

Both husband and wife is persevering and enduring hardship in their life together. I know they're faith in the Lord and pray for them not to grow weary. From the outside it's easy to "take sides" and divorce seems like an appropriate answer. But prayer and Biblical counseling welcomes the Lord to work miracles. 

I'm grateful for my wife Kim and appreciate her dedication to our marriage through out the ups and downs. Each day is better than the previous.