Encouragement

We can be encouraged by the example of others. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 3:7, NIV. "Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith."

Reflecting on our eternal hope in Christ offers encouragement. It's in the Bible, I Peter 1:6, TLB. "So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here."

We are encouraged through encouraging others. It's in the Bible, Romans 1:11-12, TLB. "For I long to visit you so that I can impart to you the faith that will help your church grow strong in the Lord. Then, too, I need your help, for I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other."

Encouragement comes from remembering how God has led in the past. It's in the Bible, Joshua 24:16-17, "And the people replied, 'We would never forsake the Lord and worship other gods! For the Lord our God is the one who rescued our fathers from their slavery in the land of Egypt. He is the God who did mighty miracles before the eyes of Israel, as we traveled through the wilderness, and preserved us from our enemies when we passed through their land."

Build each other up by finding something you appreciate. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:11, NIV. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Consistently encourage new believers. It's in the Bible, Acts 14:21-22, TLB. "They helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations."

Encourage your church leaders. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, TLB. "Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you."

God offers encouragement when we're feeling down. It's in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11, TLB. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God promises encouragement when I need it. It's in the Bible, Psalm 138:3, TLB. "When I pray, You answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need."

For your encouragement, remember God isn't finished with any of us yet. It's in the Bible, Philippians 1:6, TLB. "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."

Anxiety!

Worry doesn't accomplish anything. It's in the Bible, Psalm 37:8, TLB. "Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don't fret and worry—it only leads to harm."

There's no need to worry—God has everything under control. It's in the Bible, Matthew 6:31-33, TLB. "So don't worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to."

We cannot remove worry until we replace it with something better—prayer. It's in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7, TLB. "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."

Worrying is a waste of time. It's in the Bible, Luke 12:25-26, TLB. "And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little things as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"

Give all your worries to the Lord. It's in the Bible, I Peter 5:7, TLB. "Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."

Caring

Jesus taught the importance of genuine caring. It's in the Bible, Luke 14:13-14, NIV. "When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

God expects us to care for the sick and suffering. It's in the Bible, Galatians 4:14, NIV. "Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ himself."

When caring for others we are caring for our Lord. It's in the Bible, Matthew 25:40, NIV. "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.' "

Biblical Grounds For Divorce

There are biblical grounds for getting a divorce and it is ongoing, unrepentant adultery.  Some believe if there is physical abuse against a spouse and physical or sexual abuse of the spouse’s children that is never resolved, they may divorce.  That is a person’s decision after they counsel with a pastor or Christian marriage counselor.  At the least they should move out immediately and report this to the police.

Sexual immorality or adultery that is unrepentant and ongoing is reasonable before God’s eyes for permitting a divorce.  Jesus said that, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife [and husband of course], except for sexual immorality, makes her [or him] the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery” (Matt 5:37. 19:9). Adultery is breaking a serious commandment (Ex 20:14). But if the adultery and sexual immorality committed by the sinning spouse stops and they repent, then there should be every chance given to the person to forgive them (Mark 11:25, Luke 6:27-28).  God is all about forgiveness and we are told to forgive our brother or sister when they fall and want to be restored.

Divorce is a last resort but if there is no other choice and adultery persists with no signs of remorse, repentance, or change, then divorce is permitted.  God hates divorce but He would not expect a married person to remain married to a spouse that remains in an adulterous situation.  It is hoped that there is always room for repentance, counseling, and reconciliation – but if it doesn’t occur, and sexual sins outside of marriage persist, the victim of such a marriage is not bound by the law and God would not call that sin.

Why Divorce Is Not Acceptable!

I have heard many reasons about people seeking and getting divorces – even among Christians.  The reasons are many but none of these are acceptable to God:

“I fell out of love with my wife/husband.”

“I just don’t have anything in common with her/him anymore”

“My husband/wife just doesn’t love me anymore.”

“This just can’t be God’s will for my life anymore.”

“We are incompatible.”

“He/she lied to me before we got married.”

“It wasn’t really genuine in ‘God’s eyes’”.

“They would be happier without me.”

“I would be happier without him/her.”

There are dozens more that are not listed here but none of these that are mentioned are acceptable and only those mentioned in the Bible are acceptable reasons for divorce. This does not counting abuse or unrepentant, ongoing sexual immorality. The Bible says it is sin to divorce unless you have biblical grounds for it.