· By Mr. Sim · ~2 min read
After the Divorce: A South African Christian's Honest Guide to the Years That Follow the Broken Vow
After the Divorce: A South African Christian's Honest Guide to the Years That Follow the Broken Vow
The Scene
The papers were signed in November. The children are in two houses now. The Christian in Fourways has returned to the Wednesday Bible study but sits at the back.
Psalm 34:18 — *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."*
The South African Christian in the situations described above is not alone. The Bible has been speaking to these situations for two thousand years. The Wednesday Bible study in Parkmore has been hearing these passages read, discussed, and applied for ten years. What follows is a distillation of what the Bible says and what we have learned from the journey.
What the Bible Actually Says About Divorce
Matthew 19:8: 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.' The picture is of permanence. But the Bible also acknowledges that the world is not ideal and that God is compassionate.
The Divorced Christian Is Not Excluded
1 John 1:9: 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.' This includes the divorced Christian. The church is not a country club for the happily married.
What the Church Is Called to Do
The church is called to walk with the divorced Christian. The church is called to say: 'You are still part of us. You still belong. You still have a place at the table.'
Remarriage After Divorce
1 Corinthians 7:15: 'But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances.' The broader question of remarriage after divorce requires careful, prayerful, pastoral counsel.
A Prayer for the Divorced Christian
Father, we bring the pain of the broken marriage. We bring the shame that you have not given us. We ask for the community to hold us. We ask for the healing that takes time. We ask for your presence in the quiet house. Amen.
A Closing Prayer
Father, we bring this struggle to you. We ask for your wisdom, your strength, and your presence. We ask for the community to hold us. We ask for the hope that does not disappoint. Amen.
*Johannesburg Bible Study Church meets online every Wednesday at 7:30pm for a Bible study that is intentionally local and biblically grounded. The Bible study is free, open to anyone, and free to join or to leave. Call Mr. Sim on +27 77 487 1295 or Ms. Dora on +27 67 442 4461.*
Community notes
From people who have shown up.
Honest, lightly edited, with permission. To leave a comment, use the form below — your note goes straight to our team email and we will post it here once we have confirmed with you.
Naledi P.
Parkmore
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I attended my first Sunday picnic with my family. The vibe was warm without being overwhelming. The kids ran around Mushroom Farm Park, the adults talked, and someone brought extra blankets for the cool afternoon.
Johan v.d.M.
Sandton
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The Korean class has become our family Sunday ritual. My wife and I take the class, the kids play. It is the only Sunday we look forward to in the month.