Montanablue
Puritan Board Doctor
I recently found out that my aunt (who is a Christian although not reformed) is divorcing my uncle. I was initially shocked that she would do such a thing, but after hearing the details, I wonder if she is, perhaps, justified. My uncle has left her for another woman and is now living with said woman. Although my aunt has tried to set up counseling appointments for them both, he has only attended once. This has been going on for about 8 months. The reason that she decided to initiate the divorce is that he has begun to spend their money and run up their credit (they have joint bank accounts, credit cards, and both hold the deed to their house). A few months ago, she had no money to pay her electric bill as he had spent everything in their joint checking account.
Of course, I know that God "hates" divorce, but then in Matthew 5:31, Jesus says “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’a 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Since my uncle is actively having an affair and has no remorse, I wonder if she is biblically corrrect to divorce him. I have talked to some other reformed people about the issue, and I've heard mixed reactions. A few have said that as he is still the head of the household, he is free to spend the money as he likes. I question this because he's leaving his wife without sufficient funds to feed herself and pay the bills.
At any rate, what do the PBers think? Any additional scripture that applies would be most welcome too.
Of course, I know that God "hates" divorce, but then in Matthew 5:31, Jesus says “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’a 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Since my uncle is actively having an affair and has no remorse, I wonder if she is biblically corrrect to divorce him. I have talked to some other reformed people about the issue, and I've heard mixed reactions. A few have said that as he is still the head of the household, he is free to spend the money as he likes. I question this because he's leaving his wife without sufficient funds to feed herself and pay the bills.
At any rate, what do the PBers think? Any additional scripture that applies would be most welcome too.