Why are so many marriages ending in divorce? We have all heard the statistics...50% of first marriages end in divorce and 80% of second marriages end in divorce. That means that only 20% of second marriages survive! The real shame is that just as many marriages end in divorce IN the church!! Christians now accept divorce as an option! Why the onslaught of failed marriages?

Waarom eindig so baie huwelike in egskeiding? Ons het al almal gehoor van die statistieke…50% van eerste huwelike eindig in egskeiding en 80% van tweede huwelike eindig in egskeiding. Dit beteken dat net 20% van tweede huwelike oorleef! Die regte skande is dat net soveel huwelike eindig in egskeiding IN die kerk!! Christene aanvaar egskeiding nou as ‘n opsie! Waarom die aanslag van mislukte huwelike?

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” Matt. 7:25. Was your house built on the Rock? “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall.” Matt. 7:27.

“Die stortreën het geval, vloedwaters het afgekom, winde het teen daardie huis gewaai en daaraan geruk, en tog het dit nie ingestort nie, want die fondament was op rots.” Matt. 7:25. Was jou huis op die Rots gebou? “ Die stortreën het geval, vloedwaters het afgekom, winde het teen daardie huis gewaai en daaraan geruk, en die huis het ingestort en is heeltemal verwoes.” Matt. 7:27.

The Rock we need to build on is the Word of God! How many of us really knew the principles that you have read in this book thus far concerning marriage? Hos. 4:6 tells us that “we are perishing for a lack of knowledge.” This was certainly true for me and I am sure it is true for you too!

Die Rots waarop ons moet bou is die Woord van God! Hoe baie van ons ken regtig die beginsels wat jy in hierdie boek gelees het tot dusver aangaande die huwelik? Hos. 4:6 sê vir ons dat “My volk gaan onder omdat hulle nie aan My toegewy is nie.” Dit was sekerlik waar vir my en ek is seker dit is ook waar vir jou!

So then when our marriage fails, we seek to be released from the marriage only to repeat the mistakes in the second or subsequent marriage. God hates divorce, but when we are in the midst of trouble that’s what we believe will bring us relief. We even try to convince ourselves and others that divorce is what God wants for us since He wouldn’t want us to suffer.

So wanneer ons huwelik misluk, streef ons daarna om van die huwelik verlos te word net om dieselfde foute in die tweede of daaropvolgende huwelik te herhaal. God haat egskeiding, maar as ons in die middel van die moeilikheid is is dit wat ons glo ons verligting sal bring. Ons probeer selfs om onsself en ander te oorreed dat egskeiding is wat God vir ons wil hê aangesien Hy nie wil hê ons moet ly nie.

The Deception
Die Misleiding

When we entertain a wrong thought or idea, God tells us: “Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (The definition of lust is a “longing” for what is forbidden, like longing for a divorce when God says “I hate divorce.”) Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” Jas 1:14-16. Many say that there is nothing wrong with divorce, especially in certain circumstances.

Wanneer ons verkeerde gedagtes of idees vermaak, sê God vir ons: “ Maar 'n mens word verlei deur sy eie begeertes wat hom aanlok en saamsleep. (Die definisie van begeertes is ‘n “hunkering” na wat verbode is, soos om te hunker na ‘n egskeiding wanneer God sê “ek haat egskeiding.”) Daarna, as die begeertes bevrug geraak het, bring dit die sonde voort; en as die sonde ryp geword het, loop dit uit op die dood. Moenie julleself mislei nie, my liewe broers.” Jak. 1:14-16. Baie sê dat daAr niks verkeerd is met egskeiding nie, spesiaal in sekere omstandighede.

We must obey God rather than man. Everyone has his or her own opinion concerning marriage and divorce (what he or she “thinks” God tells us pertaining to marriage in His Word). But, “We must obey God rather than man.” Acts 5:29.

Ons moet God gehoorsaam eerder as mense. Almal het sy of haar eie opinie oor die huwelik en egskeiding (wat hy of sy “dink” God vir ons sê aangaande die huwelik en Sy Woord). Maar, “'n Mens moet eerder aan God gehoorsaam wees as aan mense!’ Hand. 5:29.

He is our only hope for salvation. Don’t follow what another person says. Instead, follow God; obey Him, for He is our only hope for salvation. Don’t complicate His Word by trying to find “what you think He means.” He means exactly what He says!

Hy is ons enigste hoop vir redding. Moet nie volg wat ‘n ander persoon sê nie. In plaas daarvan, volg God; gehoorsaam Hom, want Hy is ons enigste hoop vir redding. Moet nie sy Woord kompliseer deur te probeer uitvind wat jy dink Hy bedoel nie.” Hy bedoel presies wat Hy sê!

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Please stand by God’s teachings regardless of what is popular or how many people in your church have divorced and/or remarried. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Rom. 1:16.

Ek skaam my nie oor die evangelie nie. Staan asseblief by God se leringe ongeag van wat populêr is of hoeveel mense in jou kerk geskei en/of weer getroud is. “Ek skaam my nie oor die evangelie nie, want dit is 'n krag van God tot redding van elkeen wat glo.” Rom. 1:16.

Please understand that if marriages are to be saved, we must stand on truth! Those second marriages that “seem” happy are in fact living in defeat, not a testimony of God’s faithfulness. They continue to cause many others to suffer or live at less than God’s best, especially the children who suffer the most! And they cause many to stumble who are experiencing difficulty in their marriages. It is very tempting to want to find a second wife when many profess that they found happiness in their second marriage after they finally got rid of their first wife!

Verstaan asseblief dat as huwelike gered gaan word, ons op die waarheid moet staan! Daardie tweede huwelike wat gelukkig “lyk” lewe verslaan, nie ‘n getuienis van God se betroubaarheid nie. Hulle gaan voort om te veroorsaak dat baie ly of leef minder as God se beste, spesiaal die kinders wat die meeste ly! Dit is baie verleidend om ‘n tweede vrou te wil vind wanneer baie verklaar dat hulle geluk in hulle tweede huwelike gevind het nadat hulle uiteindelik van hulle eerste vrou ontslae geraak het!

With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition. Please do not debate the issue of divorce. Each person is only responsible to speak, teach, and live the truth. Then the Holy Spirit will do the convicting, and the Lord will turn the heart. “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. s And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 2Tim. 2:23-26.

Met vriendelikheid moet hy teenstanders teregwys. Mot asseblief nie oor die saak van egskeiding debateer nie. Eke persoon is net verantwoodelik om die waarheid te praat, leer, en te lewe. Dan sal die heilige Gees die oortuiging doen, en die Here sal die hart draai. ”Moet jou nie met dwase en sinlose strydvrae inlaat nie, want jy weet tog dat dit net rusies veroorsaak. 'n Dienaar van die Here moenie rusie maak nie. Inteendeel, hy moet vriendelik wees teenoor almal, bekwaam om ander te leer en iemand wat onreg kan dra. Met vriendelikheid moet hy teenstanders teregwys. Dit kan wees dat God hulle bekeer en hulle tot kennis van die waarheid bring. Dan sal hulle weer tot nugtere insig kom en vry raak uit die vangstrik van die duiwel, waarmee hy hulle gevange gehou het om sy wil te gehoorsaam.” 2Tim. 2:23-26.

The tree is known by its fruit. We can see the “fruits” of many of those in church leadership – those who have allowed the widespread abuse of “exceptions” for divorce. We have seen that it began with the loophole of “unfaithfulness or adultery” and has led to divorce for practically any reason! It parallels what has happened with the abortion issue...rape, incest, and the health of the mother now account for less than 1% of all abortions performed! “You will know them by their fruits.” Matt. 7:16. “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.” Matt. 12:33. We can clearly see the bad fruit that has been produced by compromising God’s Word – broken marriages and broken vows.

‘n Boom word aan sy vrugte geken. Ons kan die “vrugte” van baie van die sien wat in kerk leierskap is — die wat die wydverspreide mishandeling van “uitsonderings” vir egskeiding toegelaat het. Ons het gesien dat dit begin het met die skuiwergat van “ontrouheid of owerspel” en het gelei na egskeiding vir prakties enige rede! Dit is gelystaande aan wat gebeur het met die aborsie kwessie…verkragting, bloedskande, en die gesondheid van die moeder tel nou vir minder as 1% van alle absories uitgevoer! “Aan hulle vrugte sal julle hulle ken” Matt. 7:16. “As julle sê 'n boom is goed, moet julle ook sê sy vrugte is goed; en as julle sê hy is sleg, moet julle ook sê sy vrugte is sleg. 'n Boom word tog aan sy vrugte geken.” Matt. 12:33. Ons kan duidelik sien dat die slegte vrugte wat produseer is deur God se Woord te kompromiseer is—stukkende huwelike en gebreekte geloftes.

The Questions
Die Vrae

Why must we understand and follow God’s Law concerning marriage?

Waarom moet ons God se wet aangaande die huwelik verstaan en volg?

Because families are being destroyed, and without the family, the foundation on which our country stands will have been removed, and great will be our fall! We, as Christians, will be to blame. We cannot point the finger at others because God promises us as believers that if “My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2Chron. 7:14.

Omdat families vernietig word, en sonder die familie, sal die fondasie waarop ons land staan verwyder wees, en ons sal heeltemal verwoes wees! Ons, as Christene, sal te blameer wees. Ons kan nie die vinger aan ander uitwys nie omdat God belowe ons gelowiges dat as “ my volk oor wie my Naam uitgeroep is, toon berou en bid en vra na my wil en draai terug van hulle bose weë af, sal Ek luister uit die hemel en hulle sonde vergewe en hulle land laat herstel.” 2 Kron. :14.

Yet, Christian marriages are perishing at the same rate of destruction as those in the world. Why? “My people perish for a lack of knowledge.” Hos. 4:6. Christians have been deceived, and are following the world’s ways rather than God’s ways.

Tog, Christelike huwelike vergaan op dieselfde koers van vernietiging as die in die wêreld. Waarom? “ My volk gaan onder omdat hulle nie aan My toegewy is nie.” Hos. 4:6. Christene was nog altyd bedrieg, en volg die wêreld se weë eerder as God se maniere.

How can we know that we are being deceived about marriage and divorce?

Hoe kan ons weet dat ons bedrieg word oor die huwelik en egskeiding?

Turning aside to myths. Many of those who sit in the church pews don’t want to hear the truth. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” 2Tim 4:3-4.

Hulle tot verdigsels wend. Baie van die wat in die kerkbanke sit wil nie die waarheid hoor nie. “want daar sal 'n tyd kom wanneer die mense die gesonde leer nie meer sal verdra nie. Hulle sal hulle eie begeertes volg en vir hulle leermeesters bymekaarmaak wat net sal sê wat hulle graag wil hoor. Hulle sal die waarheid nie wil hoor nie en hulle tot verdigsels wend.” 2 Tim. 4:3-4.

We now seek worldly solutions for troubled or wounded marriages rather than seeking the Lord and His Word. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.” 1Pet. 2:9. We are not a “peculiar people” if we just follow the beaten path that leads to the divorce court!

Ons streef nou na wêreldse oplossings vir ongeruste en gewonde huwelike eerder as om die Here en Sy Woord na te streef. “Julle, daarenteen, is 'n uitverkore volk, 'n koninklike priesterdom, 'n nasie wat vir God afgesonder is, die eiendomsvolk van God.” 1Pet. 2:9. Ons is nie die “eiendomsvolk” as ons net die gebaande pad wat na die egskeiding hof toe lei volg!

You may not do the things you please. His Word is always consistent; God’s Word is opposed to the world’s philosophies and sometimes difficult to understand and follow. “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” 1Cor. 2:14. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh...so you may not do the things that you please.” Gal. 5:17.

Julle kan nie doen wat julle graag wil nie. Sy Woord is altyd konsekwent; God se Woord is in teenstelling met die wêreld se filosofie en somtyds moeilik om te verstaan en volg. “Die mens wat nie die Gees van God het nie, aanvaar nie die dinge van die Gees van God nie. Vir hom is dit onsin. Hy kan dit ook nie verstaan nie, omdat dit geestelik beoordeel moet word.” 1Kor. 2:14. “Wat ek bedoel, is dít: Laat julle lewe steeds deur die Gees van God beheers word, dan sal julle nooit swig voor begeertes van julle sondige natuur nie… en daarom kan julle nie doen wat julle graag wil nie.” Gal. 5:17.

Bad fruit. Again, we can easily see “the fruits” of all the Christian marriages that have been destroyed because they believed the lies. “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matt. 7:15-17.

Slegte vrugte. Weer, ons kan maklik “die vrugte” sien van al die Christelike huwelike wat vernietig is omdat hulle die leuens geglo het. “Pas op vir die vals profete. Hulle kom na julle toe in skaapsklere, maar in werklikheid is hulle verskeurende wolwe. Aan hulle vrugte sal julle hulle ken. Kry 'n mens dan druiwe aan doringstruike of vye aan dissels? Elke goeie boom dra tog goeie vrugte, maar 'n slegte boom dra slegte vrugte.” Matt. 7:15-17.

Scriptural Facts to Stand On
Skriftuurlike Feite om op Te Staan

Let’s search more Scriptures to see how God views marriage.

Kom ons deursoek die Bybel om te sien hoe God na die huwelik kyk.

Marriage is for life. We say the vows until death do we part. “Consequently they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matt. 19:6. “AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh.” Mark 10:8.

Die huwelik is vir ‘n leeftyd. Ons sê die gelofte tot die dood ons skei. “ Hulle is dus nie meer twee nie, maar een. Wat God dan saamgevoeg het, mag 'n mens nie skei nie.” Matt. 19:6. “EN HULLE TWEE SAL EEN WEES,’ sodat hulle nie meer twee is nie, maar een.” Markus 10:8.

God says that He hates divorce! Yet, some men are actually convinced that God led them to get a divorce! Some have said that God has “released me.” He says... “For I hate divorce says the Lord.” Malachi 2:16. He never changes... “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Heb. 13:8.

God sê Hy haat egskeiding! Tog, sommige mans is eintlik oortuig dat God hulle gelei het om ‘n egskeiding te kry! Sommige het gesê dat God  “my vrygestel” het.  Die Here die God van Israel sê… Hy haat egskeiding. “ Maleagi 2:16. Hy verander nooit nie…” “Jesus Christus is gister en vandag dieselfde en tot in ewigheid.” Heb. 13:8.

You are not the exception: “I most certainly understand that God is not One to show partiality.” Acts 10:34.

Jy is nie die uitsondering nie: “Waarlik, ek begryp nou eers dat God nie onderskeid maak nie.” Hand. 10:34.

Remarriage is not an “option” – the Bible says it’s “adultery”! “...but I say [Jesus Himself said] to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the cause of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matt. 5:32. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality (fornication, KJV), and marries another woman commits adultery.” Matt. 19:9.

Hertrou is nie ‘n “opsie” nie - die Bybel sê dit is “egbreuk”! … maar Ek sê [Jesus Homself het gesê] vir julle: Elkeen wat van sy vrou skei behalwe oor owerspel, maak dat sy egbreuk pleeg, en iemand wat met die geskeide vrou trou, pleeg ook egbreuk.” Matt. 5:32. “Ek sê vir julle: Elkeen wat van sy vrou skei, behalwe oor owerspel, en met 'n ander een trou, pleeg egbreuk.” Matt. 19:9.

Commits adultery. “And He [Jesus again] said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her....’” Mark 10:11. “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.” Luke 16:18.

Pleeg egbreek. Hy [weer Jesus]sê toe vir hulle: “Elkeen wat van sy vrou skei en met 'n ander een trou, pleeg egbreuk teen sy vrou….’” Markus 10:11. “Hy sê toe vir hulle: “Elkeen wat van sy vrou skei en met 'n ander een trou, pleeg egbreuk teen sy vrou.” Lukas 16:18.

Lacking sense. “The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it.” Prov. 6:32. “If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” Lev. 20:10.

Van sy verstand af. “Maar 'n man wat owerspel pleeg, moet van sy verstand af wees, iemand wat dit doen, verwoes sy lewe.” Spr. 6:32.  “Iemand wat egbreuk pleeg met die vrou van 'n medeburger, moet doodgemaak word. Dit geld vir die man en ook vir die vrou wat egbreuk pleeg.” Lev. 20:10.

What about the “exception” clause?
Wat van die “uitsondering” klousule?

Again, very few divorces in the church are for the reason of adultery, even if that were the correct “exception.” When Erin was told that she had grounds for divorce because I was in adultery, she sought to find out the truth. What she found was that is many Bible translations the words “adultery” and “fornication” or “moral impurities” were used interchangeably as though they were the same words – but she found they are not the same words! The word “adultery” (Strong’s Concordance in the Greek or original language is 3429 Moichao) that means an act if intimacy after marriage. But the word “fornication” (4202) means and act of intimacy before marriage. Therefore these are two separate sins and should not be confused.

Weer, baie min egskeidings in die kerk is vir die rede van owerspel, selfs as dit die korrekte “uitsondering” is. Toe Erin vertel was dat sy redes vir egskeiding het omdat ek in owerspel betrokke was, het sy uitgegaan om die waarheid te vind. Wat sy gevind het is dat in baie Bybel vertalings word die woorde “owerspel” en “ontug”  of “immorele onsuiwerhede”  uitruilbaar gebruik was asof dit dieselfde woorde was—maar sy het gevind dat hulle nie dieselfde woorde was nie! Die woord “owerspel” (in die Griekse oorspronklike taal is 3429 Moachao) dit beteken ‘n daad van intimieit na die huwelik . Maar die woord “ontug” (4202) beteken ‘n daad van intimieit voor die huwelik. Daarom is hierdie twee aparte sondes en moet nie verwar word nie.    

So when the Bible says in Matt. 19:9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” This exception meant that a man could divorce his wife if before they were married she was found to have been immoral or committed fornication as was the case with Joseph when the Bible said he contemplated divorcing her secretly (Matt. 1:19). It is NOT saying that if you find that your wife has committed adultery, which is intimacy after marriage, that you can divorce your wife.

So wanneer die Bybel in Matt. 19:9 sê “ “Ek sê vir julle: Elkeen wat van sy vrou skei, behalwe oor owerspel, en met 'n ander een trou, pleeg egbreuk.” Hierdie uitsondering beteken dat ‘n man sy vrou kon skei as voor hulle getroud was daar gevind was dat sy immoreel was of ontug gepleeg het soos met die geval van Josef toe die Bybel gesê het dat hy oorweeg het om van haar in die geheim te skei (Matt. 1:19). Dit sê NIE dat as jy vind dat jou vrou owerspel gepeeg het, wat inimiteit is na die huwelik, dan jy van jou vrou kan skei nie.

With this information, we could rewrite the verse in Matthew with the correct translation to say: “...but I [Jesus] say that everyone who divorces his wife, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Only when a woman was found on or before her wedding day not to be a virgin, only then could the husband divorce his wife. And again, Moses only allowed men to divorce: “Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.” Matt. 19:8. In other words, NO, you cannot divorce your wife since the exception clause does not apply to after marriage.

Met hierdie informasie, kan ons die vers in Matteus oorskryf met die korrekte oorvertaling om te sê: “...maar ek [Jesus] sê dat almal wie van sy vrou skei, maak haar owerspel pleeg; en wieookal met ‘n geskeide vrou trou pleeg owerspel.” Net wanneer daar gevind was dat ‘n vrou op of voor haar troudag nie ‘n maagd is nie, net dan kan die man van sy vrou skei. En weer, Moses het net mans toegelaat om te skei: Hy antwoord hulle: “Dit is oor die hardheid van julle harte dat Moses julle toegelaat het om van julle vrouens te skei, maar dit was nie van die begin af so nie. Matt. 19:8. Met ander woorde, NEE, jy kan nie jou vrou skei nie aangesien die uitluiting klousule nie van toepassing is na die huwelik nie.

Be careful when you say that “God told you”! “Behold, I am against those who use their tongues and declare ‘The Lord declares.’ Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams, declares the Lord, and related them and led my people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting.” Jer. 23:31-32. “For I hate divorce, says the Lord.” Malachi 2:16. God never tells us to go against His Word! He never changes! Never!! You also must be very careful what you say about divorce or remarriage since it could lead another person to stumble and divorce or remarry: “Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!...It is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt. 18:7,6.

Wees versigtig wanneer jy sê “God het jou vertel”! Kyk, sê die Here, Ek is teen dié profete wat hulle eie stories vertel en dan sê: “Die Here sê so.” Kyk, sê die Here, Ek is teen dié profete wat drome wat nie plaasgevind het nie, as openbaring oorvertel, want hulle lei my volk op 'n dwaalspoor met hulle leuens en hulle praatjies.” Jer. 23: 31-32. “Die Here die God van Israel sê Hy haat egskeiding.” Maleagi 2:16. God sê nooit vir ons om teen Sy Woord te gaan nie! Hy verander nooit nie ! Nooit!! Jy moet ook baie versigtig wees wat jy oor egskeiding en hertrou sê aangesien dit daartoe kan lei dat ‘n ander struikel en skei of hertrou: “Hoe jammer tog vir die wêreld dat daar dinge is wat die mens afvallig maak! Sulke dinge kom noodwendig, maar wee die mens deur wie dit kom…. vir hom is dit beter as hy met 'n groot meulsteen aan sy nek in die diep see verdrink. Matt. 18:7,6.

Many have been deceived. If you believe that God wants the divorce, you have been deceived. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2Cor. 11:14.

Baie is bedrieg. As jy glo dat God egskeiding wil hê, dan is jy bedrieg. “En geen wonder nie! Satan self doen hom voor as 'n engel van die lig.” 2Kor. 11:14.

Flesh reaps corruption. “For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Gal. 6:8. Check to see how “driven” you are before you go step out in faith. Fleshly desires feel good to the flesh; if you have urgency behind it, you need no grace to carry it out. “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Gal. 5:17.

Sondige natuur oes verderf. “Wie op die akker van sy sondige natuur saai, sal van die sondige natuur dood en verderf oes. Maar wie op die akker van die Gees saai, sal van die Gees die ewige lewe oes.” Gal. 6:8. Kyk om te sien he “gedrewe jy is voordat jy in geloof uittree. Sondige natuur voel goed vir die vlees; as jy ‘n dringenheid agter dit het, het jy geen genade nodig om dit uit te voer nie. Gal.6:8. “Wat ons sondige natuur begeer, is in stryd met wat die Gees wil, en wat die Gees wil, is in stryd met wat ons sondige natuur begeer. Hierdie twee staan lynreg teenoor mekaar, en daarom kan julle nie doen wat julle graag wil nie.” Gal. 5:17.

God and only God! What knowledge has been gained from seeing so many broken and troubled marriages? God and only God can save and keep a marriage together; though your obedience to His Word. But you have to know His Word before you can begin to obey it. “My people perish for a lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. That’s why you MUST read the chapters in this book over and over and over again! That’s why you must meditate on His Word. That’s why you must feed on His Word not just every day, but all day long!

God en net God! Watter kennis is gewin deur so baie gebroke en verontruste huwelike te sien? God en God alleen kan ‘n huwelik red en bymekaar hou; deur jou gehoorsaamheid aan Sy Woord. Maar jy moet Sy Woord ken voordat jy kan begin om dit te gehoorsaam. “My volk gaan onder omdat hulle nie aan My toegewy is nie.” Hosea 4:6. Dit is waarom ons die hoofstukke in hierdie boek oor en oor en weer oor MOET lees! Dit is waarom jy op Sy Woord moet mediteer. Dit is waarom jy nie net elke dag nie,  maar die heeldag lank op Sy Woord moet voed!

Let us make a personal commitment to
Kom ons maak ‘n persoonlike toewyding om
REMAIN MARRIED
GETROUD TE BLY
and encourage all we encounter to do the same.
en ander aanmoedig om dieselfde te doen

Personal commitment: to remain married and encourage others to do the same. “Based on what I have learned from God’s Word, I recommit myself to my marriage. I will humble myself when necessary and take all steps as a ‘peacemaker’ in my marriage. I will not cover my transgressions nor cause another to stumble. I will devote my lips to spreading God’s Truth on marriage.”

Persoonlike toewyding: om getroud te bly en ander aan te moedig om dieselfde te doen. “Gebaseer op wat ek uit God se Woord geleer het, wy ek myself weer toe aan my huwelik. Ek sal nederig wees wanneer dit nodig is en al die stappe neem as ‘n ‘vredemaker’ in my huwelik. Ek sal nie my oortredings bedek nie of veroorsaak dat ‘n ander struikel nie. Ek sal my lippe toewy om God se Waarheid oor die huwelik te versprei.