The Great Divide

Do you know a family that’s been changed by a divorce? Join Lucille as she worries and wonders about her family on this episode of Kids Corner.

Before You Listen

After you listen

Memory Verse

“... serve each other with love”

Audio Icon   Galatians 5:13

Quiz

Reflect

In this episode Lucille is shocked when her parents tell her that God hates divorce.

If the Bible says that God “hates” divorce, does that mean that God hates divorced people? Of course not. God’s love for us isn’t based on our behavior; it’s based on his character (Romans 5:8). But because God loves us, he gives us guidelines that help us to live the life that he created for us. One of those guidelines is to consider marriage a lifelong relationship of love and faithfulness (Genesis 2:18-24).

But this is not a reality for many. The parable of the Prodigal Son shows us the heart of God when his children wander away from the life he wants us to live. God doesn’t cut us off, but rather watches eagerly for our return (Luke 15:11-32). If you know anyone who has lived with divorce, or if it has happened in your family, you know the pain it causes. God hates that pain that surrounds divorce—broken promises, shattered families, and needy children. But God doesn’t hate the people involved in divorce. Instead God loves and offers his healing grace to parents and children who struggle with divorce and its effects.

Want to dig deeper and see some examples of God working through difficult marriages in the Bible? Check out Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1-14), Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29:16-30), and Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1).

Challenge

Make a paper chain to keep track of ways that your family follows the command to “Serve one another in love.” Lay out strips of colored paper in a central place in your house. When someone in your family puts others’ needs before their own, write their action on a piece of paper, make it into a circle, and add it to the chain with tape or staples. How long will the chain get in a week? How long in a month? What new ways can you find to serve each other?