LOVE: marriage, divorce, remarriage: covenant

LOVE:

If not done in/of love it is chaff to be burned.

John 13:3-5

“Jesus— knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He arose from supper— and laid aside his garments— 

and took a towel, and girded himself.  After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

[video of this teaching (MUCH MORE in the video):https://youtu.be/amryPb_lWS4 ]

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This morning Mark McCourt made a post on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CN7Q39YZD/  ] that was really good concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage.  I shared that.  But the Lord desired to explain some more (well, a lot more) detail to me concerning these topics— from his heart and position: this is that time spent with him, and what he said and showed to me.

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Marriage is beautiful, lovely (filled with it, actually), divine— especially in type and shadow of the the Lord God himself in how he is given in spiritual (meaning— the things we live, walk in, and conduct ourselves in and of); and it is sacred— not to be taken lightly, but with full knowledge of what it is, what it represents, and why we do earthly marriage in the first place.  Why were Adam and Eve given in marriage— one to the other?  Because they were; and it was godly ordained between these two (specifically), and for good reason.

The Lord God gives himself to us— in purity, within; and he doesn’t easily break such a covenant with man: man is the one who has turned away from spiritual union with God over and again— such as in the garden, and such as throughout history when his people turned to other gods; and in this— they cheated on God and went into spiritual fornication and adulterated the marriage bed with God (internally, then externally— in their outward actions).

Every time someone gets to the point of outward actions of adultery— the spiritual or soulish adultery WITHIN was already presented and accounted for (fulfilled, within); this is what leads to adultery happening in the flesh: either unto God because our inner man has been defiled in thoughts and inclination contrary to God (apart from him, opposite); or in one human toward another (soul to soul) marriage— defiled in thinking and reasoning, and with inclinations contrary to upholding the other.

You see— what we do one to another— we do directly to God; for inside— the defilement happens before we carry out any outward actions of.  When we adulterate our spirits and souls in believing and behaving unto things that are not the truth, righteousness, or love (God’s law) —we then adulterate the spiritual marriage covenant with the Lord God within; and it leads to outward actions.  As well— if we are not squared away within with God, and we are moving immaturely, ignorantly, in opposition to God and godliness (fleshly), and we are transgressing that spiritual marriage with God; we will then do it unto our spouses too, in whom we are married to in soul and body here in this world. 

Why?  Because our earthly marriages, and how we do unto each other, is a direct reflection of the maturity in Christ Jesus that we walk and abide in— or not.  We are either as he is— given to another, fully and completely, and sacrificing (laying down our lives, hearts, wills, etc, to another and their benefit), or we are soulish (empowered of self), not dying the death of self denial, and to not carrying our cross and enduring tribulations of affliction (trying our hearts) in this life.

Why?  Because he gives and gives, and we adulterate him continually— and yet if we are in ignorance, not knowing what we do— his grace abounds.  But if we willfully and deliberately know how he moves— and yet choose the other way— we have no more sacrifice for us: for the sacrifice is unto repentance (a change around within and without).  We are not married to Jesus and his exact replication when we are married to another person here in the realm of soul and body; but we are to give as he gives— as our lives are laid down to God and our spouses.

Now— because of fornication/adultery, and for hardness of heart— God grants us divorce in the realm of the soul and body life down here: but thank God our Lord, when he divorced Israel for their fornication against him— he made a way for ‘remarriage,’ in that he sent Jesus to be the propitiation for us; and in this— we can ‘remarry’ God and uphold a covenant relationship with him now: we being the adulterous kind who ‘put away’ God— to uphold another (self).

The Lord sees fornication of adultery— egregious; in fact— if one remains unfaithful to God, they are not upholding covenant marriage (spiritual) with God; and in this— there is no covenant retained— for it was adulterated, or broken in vows.  So— as marriage to another in this soul realm is meant to be to uphold one another in fidelity; the Lord allows divorce for the hardness of heart (which leads to adultery, its lawlessness toward covenant marriage).  

You see— the Lord does not take lightly toward hardness of heart issues in general.  So— when we harden our hearts toward him— this means we doubt him, we disobey him, we are loyal to ourselves more, our reasoning more, our decision making and wills more: and thus— hardness of heart is established within through pride and ignorance.   

So— when we begin to become hardened in heart toward another— it starts within by not upholding the truth, the way, nor love— as God does: in total sacrifice (preferring what’s best for other) as he served the Father and mankind by laying down one’s life (will, choices, inclination and desires) for another.  When we begin to exalt ourselves above another —it will show up with attitude, what WE need, what WE deserve, what WE perceive— because the star of the show of our hearts— is us.  We become hardhearted in this— and we prefer self satisfaction before another’s satiation or satisfaction (being appeased, eased, or relieved in affections and honor).

Most marriages dissolve from pride— including spiritual marriage covenant with God: and pride— is a hard heart in some way, shape, form, or scope: pride = hardened heart toward the person of God, the way of God, the truth lived in God; and it will show in our words, attitudes, opinions, reasons, beliefs, and ways (actions).

God ‘allows’ divorce because of hard hearts— but that does not mean he LIKES or CHOOSES divorce as the first option, or at the whim of a hardened heart.  He HATES [passionately dislikes] divorcing Israel (the people of God) for the hardness of their hearts toward him; and he HATES divorce in us (in our souls) for the hardness of hearts, as well.  Meaning— when one will treat another as God does not— he HATES this: he hates evil.  He desires that all would repent (turn around in thinking again, unto complete change within— which is reformation), and be saved (healed, made whole, restored to God and godliness).  He KNOWS we have been an ignorant and immature people— who find it much easier and preferable to serve self— than he and godliness; and so he made a way for two things: one— that Christ would come into the world, fulfill Calvary (the cross) so that through the Holy Spirit we could gain his Spirit— and come out of evil and wicked ways of living, and be changed into his likeness within us again, and learn to LOVE and live in TRUTH again, toward God and all others, laying down our lives (selfs/selves) to do so (dying to all that prideful living in the soul).  And secondly— he made provision for divorce of humans— because he was merciful in our ignorance, evil way, hard-heartedness, and selfishness; because we would not live as he lives— in our soul lives— but would continue to live selfishly and hurt others in doing so: so divorce was allowed: even him allowing himself to divorce Israel for her infidelity and iniquitous ways upheld: but he does not LIKE it.

I FULLY UNDERSTAND 2 THINGS:

• One— many have already divorced, and there is no sense going back into shame for this, or back into condemnation for this: divorce is lawful: but the point is— to be those who are the people led of God’s Spirit in all things.  What is past— is past: let it go: if you have no legal spouse— you have no spouse at all any more in the flesh; and there is no shame for you: it is lawfully allowed to dis-annul a marriage covenant: but it is grievous to do so, much trouble and travail involved spiritually speaking.

You are loosed from the legal bonds of marriage, and from the bonds of a spouse in this realm: you can either marry or remain unmarried: but all is to be led of the Lord God, specifically, and directly, in each of our lives.  For the hardness of heart that doth prevail in the hearts of men: but it is a very heavily regarded issue— not taken lightly.  For the Lord does allow— but expects we will seek him fully before so— to sort all reasons why: because I have learned that oftentimes— it is our immaturity and our lack of being disciplined in love (and a sacrificial heart) that leads us to divorce.

I know that there are cases (as I had) where physician violence and harm is present— and in this, for this to take place— there is no godly love erect; and thus— this soul is acting of satan, and is violating the marriage covenant to love and hold (maintain love) for a lifetime: this is hardness of heart (violation of God’s ways/conduct/law) to the extreme: and thus— divorce is allowed, though still heartbreaking— as we all know.

• Two— God allows for divorce because of hardness of heart— that always causes infidelity in one way, shape, form, or scope— ALWAYS: because its either physical literal, or spiritual literal— in our thoughts, ways, beliefs, and conduct brought forth from the contents of the heart of man.

Man chooses to ‘put away’ God within— in ways, conduct, law of behaviors of godliness— and instead chooses to go the way of self satisfaction, self reasoning, and self focus: and thus when this is happening within— a man or woman will easily, handily, transgress marriage ways, conduct, and covenant (where 2 parties agreed to love one another, as God loves us).  

It is the ‘putting away of God,’ that leads us to marriage issues in the realm of soul and body life down here.  When we put God away, and with him— the law of his kingdom and person, we then will live as the world, think as the world, lust after what the world lusts after of evil inclinations and affections— and we will transgress marriage in the soul realm just like the world does: for the love of the world is erect in our hearts, and thus— the love of the Father and his ways— is not in us erect.

When we love the Lord God as Jesus loves the Lord God and our Father— then we will succeed within our own hearts in a laid down death to self life; and we will be resurrected in the person of Jesus Christ— and we will be then matured and able to love another as Christ loves the church and gives himself for it.

Ephesians 5:24-27

“Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word— That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

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Why is all of this understanding of earthly marriage so important to us who are to be married to Christ Jesus?  Because we are to be doing marriage the way he does marriage— and with him doing it cleanly, and ironed out in it all (mature).

We will pour over scripture in this post and video— because Christ is to sanctify us in it: wash us thoroughly— so that we come into the truth, and are freed and matured by it: so that we can be presented to him as a glorious church given to him in marriage— and able to fulfill our marriage obligations to him— without COMPROMISE or INFIDELITY: that’s what spotless and wrinkle-free means: HOLY (separated unto him, given to him in marriage obedience and honor).

You see— our Father gave us the perfect one to be married to who would show us the way; he would lead as a good husband figurehead over us: so that we would walk/live as he lives in godliness; and that we would mature in this— and thus— fulfill the law.

Romans 8:4

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

That the righteousness of true love would be fulfilled in us too; whereby we would walk in love one toward another, preferring them, serving God and them (as the Lord leads us in all our ways); whereby we walk no longer after the flesh or carnal ways of self pleasure— but are now led of the Spirit of God in love, laying down our lives to BE as he is toward others; as the way of the Son of man himself.

Matthew 22:36-40

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him— Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind: This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it— Thou shalt love your neighbor as yourself: On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

The great command of God (continually commanding/leading and ordering of us) of the law— is that we would live TRUE LOVE toward God: this is total turning to him in our hearts, souls (will and emotions, ways and beliefs of reasoning), and mind (to mind him and his way/law) in vessels: possessing our vessels with honor and righteousness.  This is the first and great law we are given to.  

The second is to turn to our fellow man and do the same.  And what is that?  Love them with all our heart (true posture in Christ Jesus to be as he is and in union with him in this), soul (will/desires, emotions, ways of law conduct of heaven lived, believing in the truth that this is what heavenly children of God ARE); being given to love others as we take care for ourselves (the way we focus on our own hearts, lives, importance— we will now do toward others over self): and thus— fulfill the summation of the law which the prophets taught: for the life of Christ and his testifying in us of his person— is the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of the conduct of heaven who doth yet speak unto each of us— in inspiration of the Holy Spirit himself, of Christ Jesus and the Father of us.

We are to BECOME the love of God— incarnate: which is the conduct of God in godliness— erect in us, and in operation— or effectiveness; no longer evil working in our members— but godliness (the fruit offspring of the Lord, with fruit proof of which father we have).

Romans 13:10

“Love works no ill [G2556: worthlessness, injury, harm, wickedness] to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

When we BECOME LOVE— we will work no selfishness toward another, but we will lay our lives (selfishness) down for them.  We will work no ill, no more seeing others as worthless, or injuring them with our ignorance or immaturity— because we are being matured, cleansed of an evil heart, and ironed out in our conduct— as we learn how to love God in the right way within: and thus— are not loving others, preferring them over our own satisfactions, laying our lives down for another (as Christ did to the Father and us): he works NO HARM toward us, nor wickedness; and thus— when we are spotless before him, and ironed out— we will be no longer ignorant as babes, and we will be matured in the conduct of our spiritual husband.

And when we are— we will love as he loves others (including, and especially those we are given to in marriage of the realm of soul and body life down here, and our children/family members): for we will be as he is— holy, separated out from all the worldly ways of living— and sanctified in him (washed by him) from all of that.

Adam and Eve were given to one another to populate the earth in people who are given to the Lord God in spiritual marriage— godly spiritual living: but we fell.  Well— he is still desiring to restore all things in himself: and he gives himself to us for this work— through the holy Spirit who is to bring us ‘into’ all truth lived: body, soul, and spirit— blameless and preserved in the life of Christ Jesus erect in us, and we in him: as one— in agreement and conduct, under his husbandry— or leadership.

It is why many will say ‘Lord, Lord,’ in that day: but they were not given to him in heart, soul, mind, and spirit— whilst in body: and we will all be judged for what and whom we gave ourselves unto in body life down here— at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.

If we are in the new Adam (ancient archetype of Jesus Christ, a proper son and partner to God), then we will be as he is— even, and especially in family life down here in the realm of soul and earthly body: for we are given in marriage for this reason— as we exemplify unto the rest of humanity— how it is done in heaven: whilst we are here in earth!

Galatians 5:13-15

“For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh— but by love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  But if you bite and devour one another— take heed that you will not be consumed by one another.”

Consumed of another— devouring each other in ungodly ways, for one would not lay down their lives to another— to serve them in the earth (soul and body).  We’ve been called to come into freedom in the truth lived— through union with (marriage) with Jesus Christ and his holy Spirit— to lead us in all our ways here— as a good husband does.

We are called to love others like we usually give unto ourselves in selfishness: what we desire, like, don’t like, want, don’t want, how we desire to be treated (not speaking of violence, but preferences of thoughtfulness), comforts or indulgences, etc and so on.

We are called— bid forth of the Lord to lay ourselves down to God and brethren (including spouse), that we should fulfill the law or conduct of God in heaven: for this is the way of the King, God— and godliness— that our Bridegroom comes to us (in his Spirit) to perfect in us: so that the sons of God may come forth— and the Lord be witnessed through them: as he comes to sanctify people in his truth (lived).

Deuteronomy 7:9

“Know therefore that the Lord your God— he is God— the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

He keeps marriage covenant with whom?  A person who will uphold him as God (the one who decides, magistrate supreme), and will serve him in fidelity (heart, mind, ways, walk, life, commitment) —keeping the marriage covenant upheld within and without; and in this— the mercies of God are unto these who LOVE him— as he asked for us to show him love: by keeping (guarding and upholding) his commandments in our lives (statutes, precedent, ways and will in our lives, hearts, minds, souls).

If we took marriage as serious as God does— we would not have the divorce rate we do— INSIDE THE CHURCH: for we would be loving God as he asked us to— in maturity and wisdom with fidelity to him; and thus— if we married another in this realm to love and to hold (love, obey— give oneself to in service of love) —we would have godly, heavenly marriages— as God gives himself: and we would fulfill the law of God in this: spotless and ironed out.

He would have a bride made ready unto him, and we would have godly divine, joyous marriages in the earth; as we will in new Jerusalem: we can be given to this now.

I am not here to speak into each man or woman’s life as to what he is to do or not do: God forbid— only God can lead us in this, and when asked of him to do so individually— he is given my vessel to speak his mind, heart, and will forward: but it is still— HIM— who will be judge over all things, not me.

If we would fulfill unto the Lord God, our marriage and ways of in purity— we would have what he intended all along: 2 serving God and each other in the earth: exemplifying the holy and righteous love union of God and man in the earthen vessel: given to the Father to lead us in all ways— as Jesus joined him within, and served the Father: his example is given already for us all.

Only through hardness of heart do we fail to love properly (God or man): and only through the reformation of the heart— unto God first— do we come back into earthly marriages fulfilled as God designed from before the foundations of creation.

Let’s look at the life of the Son, and the model of our Father’s love that we are to be resuming within us.  Because— if we will die the death inside, and resurrect into the life of Jesus, the truth established within us, remain in his love and ways— we will fulfill the law of love toward one another.

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Okay— let’s take this from the top: the Lord Jesus Christ was come into the world for the Father so loved the world (its inhabitants and creation itself) that God sent his only begotten Son into the world— that through him the world should be saved.

The greatest of love:  For God so loved [G25 agape: a social and moral sense of love] the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him [G4100: faith (reliance upon in fidelity) entrusting and committed unto]  —should not perish [G622: be destroyed or lose], but have everlasting [G166: perpetual, ever turning/revolving] life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn [G2919: judicially decide (its fate) and punish in conclusion] the world [G2889: the adorned world and its inhabitants]; but that the world [G2889: the inhabitants] through him might be saved [G4982 sozo: delivered and protected, heal and do well and be whole].

Marriage to God through Jesus Christ— hence why he’s called the spiritual Bridegroom— is extremely important to understand in heavenly spiritual context; and so is earthly marriage— for it is to be in the souls (one to another soul) in the earth, a reflection of the spiritual marriage between man and God: both are taken in utmost reverence in God’s eyes.  He doesn’t take lightly to our spiritual union with him— nor does he take lightly to two souls becoming one flesh in the earth (one joined body or workmanship), as like how we join him— but in spiritual places; the earthly marriage joins (or ties) two souls together: souls tied/bound in union.

John 3:18-21

“He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already— because he has not believed in the name [G3686: authority of character] of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation— that light [G5457: luminous manifestation (of God, truth, righteousness, love), the fire light] is/has come into the world— but men loved darkness [G4655: shadiness] rather than light [G5457: luminous manifestation (of God, truth, righteousness, love), the fire light], because their deeds —were evil [G4190: hurtful effectually, calamitous, ill, diseased, culpable, derelict, vicious— guilty (of transgressing— straying from God’s way/law/conduct), harmful and wicked].  For every one that does evil [G4190: effectual (working) hurt, vicious— transgressing God’s law/way/conduct of love] —hates the light [G5457: luminous manifestation (of God, truth, righteousness, love), the fire light], neither comes to the light [G5457: manifest love and truth of God, living in the fire light], lest his deeds should be reproved (because his deeds will be revealed for either walking with God as he does— or not: illumination of the truth lived within the heart).  But he that does truth —comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest [G5319: revealed clearly and apparently, declared] —that they are wrought [G2088: effected and engaged in or with, worked from] in God.”

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Recap

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God SO LOVES us— that he came in a moral sense of love, and socially (to us all) gave himself to bringing us this kind of spiritual environment back to us; as well as established the model of what he desires, and what is given to us (or whom) to bring us into this once again: where Adam and Eve were immature— he desires to reform us and mature us: that we should be holy as he is, and righteous as he is, and love— as he loves: so— the Father sent the Son and his example to us; as well as the way to be able to come into this with him— through the cross of Calvary; which is why I continually say that salvation is more than we understand in religion: it is TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LOVE RESTORED TO FULL FUNCTION WITHIN AN EARTHEN VESSEL AND SOUL ONCE AGAIN: through being given a new spirit and heart within us (Christ, and his, as he cleanses and transforms ours: body, soul, spirit— blameless and preserved in him and his workmanship in us).

Whoever puts their reliance in him and the truth— with fidelity to it— shall not be ashamed: he is faithful to us, if we are to him, as we commit to him in marriage union: and in this— we shall not perish in separation— for he has joined us once again: and what God has joined— let no man put asunder: this is the high reverence to marriage upheld, like a glue in the hidden places: so that— even in marriage spiritual or earthly (soul), only God can divorce or separate: and we are to be given to him in what his will is concerning soul marriages here: if he deems divorce is allowed for the biblical reasons, and he aligns with it (for violence or egregious failure to uphold love and fidelity of marriage): then God is the one who divides a marriage apart: not us of ourselves only— but God leading us in his will: for he sent us his Spirit for just this type of thing: to lead us in all our ways or circumstances: our headship.

And when we are given to a pure spiritual love in him— we will move morally and sacrificially toward a spouse: when we are not given to God— we will not be able to be given to a spouse in the earth, nor love them properly or in fidelity: it always starts in the spirit with God first, and then plays out in our souls here.

I understand when another divorces us— and we did not desire for this: we are subject to the one who upholds not God nor his ways— to be parted from them: for they do not uphold God within as they ought to, and thus— will reject us too.

I understand that many of us did not know, what we did not know, until later in life: God’s grace is sufficient for us in this, and his mercy too: he desires only that we REVERENTLY understand what he’s asking of us now— and what he’s asking of us toward COMMITMENT unto another in the realm of soul marriage too: for both spiritual marriage to him (the inner workmanship and conduct of a man in godliness), and soul marriage to another individual here in this realm— requires commitment TO LOVE AS GOD IS, AND AS GOD DOES.

If we would love him as he asked us to— in obeying his ways, conduct, conducting/commands and commandments of statutes to uphold (ways of conduct); then we would have godly marriages where we are truly— helpmeets— as the Lord designed from his original conception: love, as he loves, that we would do as he does: and thus— the kingdom of God be established in earth, as it is in heaven: a heavenly marriage (both to God, and each other when married in a material realm).

IN THIS— we would have perpetual, everlasting, ever turning and revolving LIFE: love— lived, as God lives.  For God did not send his son into this world to punish mankind— but to love them, and offer them an opportunity to love him back (obey him, and join him again).  And so— when we are perfected in love too— we will be matured in love; and if we and another are— we will live the heavenly blueprint of marriage in this earthly realm— one toward another.  But not all must marry— some are called to live unto God as a virgin (never married), or as widow— but never to marry again: some are called to remarry— for it is better: and God is the only one to lead all, individually, in each life— unto his will and design for each life.

But— once we are given in marriage— he desires that we would uphold that marriage, give ourselves to that marriage (in the realm of the soul and body), in a similar way we are given to uphold, reverence, and love God.  That we would lay our lives (preferences and desires/wills) down for another— exemplifying God’s design and ways in the earth: he loves this— for it SHOWS the realm of the world, and the heavens (angels and all creation) HOW GOD LOVES: we were chosen to exemplify this to creation.

If we are married— still, in an active legal agreement— even if the other person is not as we would desire them to be (outside of violence) then we are to remain, get matured, lay down our lives, give over to another’s preferences (as Christ gives himself to the Father’s will and desires— as exemplifying how to do marriage).  We are required to die to self— and love another, uphold another— over our comforts, our desires, our preferences, our whims, our judgments from the soul: Jesus exemplified this— Father, not my will/desires be done, but yours.

For in living like this— some of our spouses would become sanctified through our TRUE AND PURE LOVE flowing from us toward them: in suffering long, in patience, in forgiveness, in mercies, in grace, and so on.

You know— many of us are called to the mission field of our own families; and if so— we are called to be reformed by the Lord’s truth and love— and then give freely to those he has called us to: for they just might be saved (healed, recovered, made whole in him) through that kind of a laid down life.

Do we really LOVE another— as God loves us?  For I believe if we do, and are, in a soul marriage down here— we would see MASSIVE conversions (in time) from the example of the truth we live— unto them: as the Son lived(s) unto the Father: that the world (inhabitants) would be saved by such a love (coming from the life of Jesus in us), and such a sacrifice (death to self— to see the salvation union of another with God again).

There are the marriages down here that have had great violence done in them— and our Lord does not wish for these things to happen to us, nor for this to continue: and for this hard heart (who would do such behaviors, consistently, egregiously, and detrimentally unto another soul/heart/person) he grants divorces.

But then— there are marriages of indulgence; not marriages based in egregious sin and violence such as domestic abuse, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, etc— where someone is murdered over and over again in different ways; but where people are just ‘dissatisfied;’ and the Lord doesn’t take lightly to this.

He desires that we would die to selfishness— such as: they are not doing what you want them to do (but it is not threatening your life, it’s just grievous), don’t love you the way you want them to (but your life is not in danger— just grieved), where they are not as kind, or kind as often as you prefer (but you are still alive, just dissatisfied).  Or perhaps— they don’t share in the activities you like— but always want you to do what they like.  Perhaps they do not serve God within— but you do, and this is grievous to you.  Perhaps you see this as unequally yoked— but perhaps— God has a plan in it? (each will have to be led of God, because where love is, it is salvageable).  Or maybe you see the other has shut down and does not desire to be with you in some ways any longer.

Let me tell you what he has said to me, and again, each life must be led of God as to what is happening, and what he desires concerning marriage.  But here are some things he has said to me about hardheartedness that is just through dissatisfaction: he doesn’t take lightly to divorce for dissatisfaction (or hard hearts) alone, and here’s why.

If love is still there, in any way, shape or form: a marriage is salvageable.  Because…

• One who is not doing what you desire of them to do… Have you worked patiently with them to detail out what you are desiring?  Have you communicated well with them… and are not too proud to do this again and again as needed?  Have you humbled yourself to work with them in these regards? 

These are just some things to consider— I have been taught of God to look at what I am operating in, and see if humility can come forward.  And if it can— I am asked if I am willing to die to my desires, and at the same time— be joyous to do so— so that another may rejoice in their heart.

This will not work or apply for all situations— but in many situations— it is pride at work; and if we would be much more willing to be servants (humble) of love— we might get much farther, much faster, and much more joyfully.

• Don’t love you the way Christ loves you, or you desire them to: have you laid your life down in godly love in Christ Jesus— DESPITE what they do unto you?  For this is the life and way of Christ— unto an adulterous and wayward (filthy) bride who is not given to him properly in all her ways yet either: but he works WITH her, patiently, again and again— to bring his love and truth of— wash her clean as she gives herself to him in ways cleaned up.  

If we will give ourselves to the task of loving others like Christ loves us— we would have love abroad, and be transformed by it to a greater degree: which would have it coming back to us: but the truth is— Christ has enough love (if we let him), to love us, AND our spouses through us— if we are given to him in this.  And I truly believe— the unbeliever will come to believe in the goodness of God— because they are seeing it manifest before them— in us, toward them: fruits of repentance (turn around, and maturity of).

• Where they are not as kind as you would desire them to be— this gives us an opportunity to die more in pride, and be invited into more humility (service) toward another.  It’s not easy— but it becomes so joyous to give kindness— than to only receive it: for Christ has enough kindness unto us— to fill us to overflowing, whether anyone else EVER gives it unto us: be filled with Christ Jesus— and we will have a cup overflowing to give unto others: it is better to give than to receive in this way; for it is joyous to see another fulfilled in kindness and preference: this is a pure love.

But in addition— communication matters, to gain understanding: sometimes we have failed to communicate properly.  Other times we will have said our preference— but others do not heed this.  Well, we can either die to self, or we can speak it forth in love again.  For pride will tell you “that we’ve said it before— we shouldn’t have to say it again, they don’t care.”  But I will tell you— if you care enough to complain— then you care enough to iterate it again to someone.  If you are not bothered any more (really, not saying that but truly irked inside), then you will not complain— not even in your heart; and you will have died to self: but you will have also clearly communicated to your spouse.

• If they do not serve God within, but you do— then you have a GREAT opportunity for Christ Jesus (who is overseeing your inner man) to witness himself of the love, truth, and ways of God (his fruits) right through you!!  This is how one can be sanctified through a spouse: if the spouse who is given to Christ be given in true heart stance, humility, and maturity— and not lip service alone, but a TRUE LOVE established in them.

Many of us have been called forth for such a work as this— for such a time as this: for such a salvation of our family members and spouses.

• If someone has shut down toward you— have you shut down toward them?  Do you still intercede in LOVING prayers, and WORKING IN THE SPIRIT toward their souls (pushing forth love, sincerely, and powerfully from within)?  Because if so— it will not matter what they do unto us— for we will do unto them as we wish they would do unto us.  And in this— some shall be recovered: both the one given to Christ in this within their vessel— as well as the recipient of such a love as this.

Christ did not come here to condemn and judge us— do we do this toward our spouses or others?  For this is not the love of God— but the love of the world, or as the world does.  And because the ‘name’ of the Lord is not exalted within, but another person’s ‘name’ or character and authority (self).  He came to illuminate the truth of love and righteousness, have we?  What do we exemplify toward others?  This is not to shame us for our pasts— but to liberate us: by bringing in the truth— for us to couple with NOW, and hence forward: and that is what God is always after— reformation that brings us into union with him for the now and future: 2 as 1 in spirit and truth: that luminous fire light of God— where he manifests the truth and love to us within: and thus— we are filled with his Spirit to do so unto others: this is Christ and the Father’s love.  Whereby we do no harm now (attitudes, judgments and actions apart or opposite of Christ and heaven), no wickedness or evil— toward another: this is Christ, and exemplified in the life of the Son of man (Jesus).

For everyone that does the effectual working (deeds, words, actions) opposite of Christ Jesus, the truth, righteousness, and love— hates the light that comes to expose darkness: for men loved darkness and shadiness more than light and love: lest his deeds should be reproved and exposed.

But the one who lives in the light, as God is in the light— comes to the light— SO THAT— his deeds of the interior heart WOULD BE REVEALED FOR THE TRUTH OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THERE; so that God may be made manifest in them (the light of the life of Christ Jesus) instead: having an effective, engaged, work of God wrought in them.

Let’s find out what the husband and wife are to be being.

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1 Corinthians 7

“Now concerning the things whereof you wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence [G2133: kindness, good will duty (euphemistically conjugal duty)]: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife has not power [G1850: authority of control]  of her own body— but the husband: and likewise also the husband has not power [G1850: authority of control] of his own body— but the wife.  Defraud [G650: keep back] not one the other— except it be with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again— so that Satan tempts you not for your incontinency [G192: want held back].

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.  For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows— it is good for them if they abide even as I.  But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.  And unto the married I command— yet not I, but the Lord— Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But, and if she depart— let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.  

But to the rest speak I— not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him— let him not put her away.

And the woman who has a husband that believes not, and if he is pleased to dwell with her— let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified [G37: made holy (separated unto God), purified or consecrated] by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: or else your children would be unclean [G169: impure, demonic, foul]; but now are they holy.  

(Because ONE is serving God in TRUTH— real actions of God’s Spirit of love and truth, with fruits of God’s Spirit erect within them and being conducted.)

But if the unbelieving (unbeliever of God, righteousness, holiness and truth) departs— let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: God has called us to peace.

For what knowest thou— O wife— whether you shall save [G4982 sozo: delivered and protected, heal and do well and be whole] your husband? Or how knowest thou— O man— whether you shall save [G4982 sozo: delivered and protected, heal and do well and be whole] your wife?

But as God has distributed [G3307: apportioned] to every man, as the Lord has called [G2564: bid forth (led)] every one— so let him walk [G4043: live and follow]. And so ordain I [G1299: arrange thoroughly, prescribe and give order] in all churches.

Is any man called [G2564: bid forth (led)] being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised (literal). Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised (literal). Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing— but (just) the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let every man abide in the same calling [G2821: invitation of the Lord] wherein he was called [G2564: bid forth (led)].

Are you called being a servant (one who serves another currently, bondservant in these days)? Care not for it: but if you may be made free— use it rather.  For he that is called in the Lord— being a servant— is the Lord's freeman [G558: a freed man (from bondage)]: likewise also he that is called— being free— is Christ's servant [G1401: voluntary one in subjection/subservient one unto Christ Jesus].

You are bought with a price; be not the servants of [G1401: those given to volunteer the heart to serve subserviently] men (their ways or will).

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called [G2564: bid forth (led)] —therein abide [G3306: stay in relation of given place] with God.

Now concerning virgins [G3933: unmarried] I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment— as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord— to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Are you bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed [G3080: divorced]. Are you loosed [G3080: divorced] from a wife? Seek not a wife. But, and if you marry— you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless —such shall have trouble [G2347: pressure, anguish, tribulation] in the flesh [G4561: carnal human nature]: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren— the time is short: it remains that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away.

But I would have you without carefulness [G275: without anxiousness]. He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord (only), how he may please the Lord: but he that is married cares for the things that are of the world [G2889: the inhabitants, morally], how he may please his wife [G1135: woman].

There is difference also between a wife (married) and a virgin (yet unmarried). The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord (no earthly soul to care for as yet, so unto the Lord only), that she may be holy (separated unto God) both in body and in spirit (when soul married— we give unto our spouse in soul and body, and unto the Lord in spirit, soul, and body): but she that is married cares for the things of the world [G2889: the inhabitants, morally (she cares in soul and body for another soul and body)], how she may please her husband.

• Howbeit: as well as spiritually the Lord Jesus— if one is the Lord’s; this person will serve God in spirit, soul, and body— given to him to do so: even THROUGH the soul marriages.

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

• Truly, those in Christ, given to him and who are matured in him— as he gives himself to ALL OF US, and yet— fully and completely lacking nothing; we too can, and indeed should, be given to loving God in spirit, soul and body; and be given to loving the brethren (including spouse) in soul and body, through being spiritual beings in marriage covenant unto the Lord within: as to fulfill the law 1 & 2: love God with everything, then turn to the neighbor (anyone else, including spouse, especially), and love them the way you take care for yourself (love yourself).

But if any man thinks that he behaves himself uncomely [G807: unbecoming] toward his virgin (the unmarried), if she passes the flower of her age (think unable to bear children), and need so require, let him do what he will— he sinneth not: let them marry.

• This is saying— if a man loves a woman, and she’s beyond years of fertility (if you will), and yet others think this is unbecoming to remain with her; this man sins not for this: let them marry all the same.

Nevertheless he that stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin (a virgin) —doeth well.

• This is stating that if the woman is past the age of fertility, and she and he are alright not marrying (no burning desire for sexual relations, as neither have married and are alright with this): these will remain virgins (literal), and will not marry or have sexual relations.

So then he that gives her in marriage doeth well; but he that gives her not in marriage doeth better (I reckon because both remain sexually pure, undefiled, and given to no one but the Lord).

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives (this not just man’s legal system— but God’s from the kingdom of God); but if her husband be dead— she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord (meaning— it better be through God’s leading and ordaining).

But she is happier if she abides (unmarried— Paul believes), after my judgment: and I also think that I have the Spirit of God (he believes he is in alignment with God on this matter).”

____________________________________

Faith without works is a dead faith—

And wrought in dead works

____________________________________

1 Corinthians 13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity— I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity— I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity— it profits me nothing.

Charity [LOVE] suffers long, and is kind (do we?); charity envies not (do we?); charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own (this is all pride— do we puff up, get attitude, behave unseemly, seek to be satisfied— seek our own?), is not easily provoked (riled up— attitude and outburst), thinks no evil [worthlessness, depraved, injuriousness, harm]; rejoices not in iniquity (rejoices not in walking as God does not), but rejoices in the truth [G225: verity (real reality, Jesus)]; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

• Again, right here, the Lord is making a statement about violence— he does not advocate for violence one toward another— nor to bear that forever.  But he is referring to almost everything else that would pertain to preferences or comforts; that we should bear dissatisfaction— and come to him with it to be relieved in him: as we hope all things, believe for all things (even restored earthly marriages where love still exists), and in this— shall endure till the end doing all the love and truth one can toward another.

For in this— does God reconcile his people— for their once transgressions: in that he divorced Israel— but indeed— can, and desires to— graft them back into covenant with him; should they desire love over selfishness, sacrifice over selfishness, righteousness over lawlessness, and union over separation/estrangement.

I pray over your marriages for the same: God willing, that is, that restoration in Christ Jesus— may prove miraculous— in some.  And in others— that new beginnings should prove blessed in Christ Jesus as well.

Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man— I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then— face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

_____

To see him face to face— countenance, law, conduct, love, righteousness— face to face: facing him, in him, head on to behold him, and be returned to his image and likeness— no more marred from such form: reformation of the new man creation from the old man creation or marred image.  And then, in that— shall we know him as he knows us: that we were once marred— but reformation can come forth in the workmanship of the Lord Jesus Christ— that we be given in spiritual marriage to God within— and it should playout unto all those we come in contact with, without our inner vessel: our words and actions be in alignment, congruent, and purified in the life of Christ Jesus: he who has come for such an endeavor/work as this.  Because then— shall that vessel of honor come forth— and be known by those in souls and bodies, and even spirit— that we are of him, and he is within us: and thus— be known as we are known: in fruit proof.

And regarding faith (fidelity to Christ, the truth, and way), hope in him, and love: love is the greatest.  Why?  Because if one be given to the Lord in his truth, way, and in fidelity to him in truth and his conduct/character (name) and ways— one will be hopeful in all things in him, and will LIVE LIFE IN CHRIST— toward all— in PURE LOVE: so when love comes forth— one has already been given to faith in him, and hope in him— for HIS LOVE POURS FORTH OF THEM— IN PROOF OF HIM (fruits).

_____

God did divorce Israel (Jeremiah 3:8) once upon a time— for their hardness of heart, that led to adultery against him, and idolatry upheld within their hearts— that led to egregious actions of lawlessness toward righteousness, holiness, and godliness of the truth upheld: and so— divorce came forward.  And because of hard hearts— divorce of marriage covenant exists.  But it grieved God SO much that he desired to find a way to SAVE marriage (with his people); because he HATED SEPARATION FROM THEM, AND LACK OF LOVE WITH THEM: so he sent Christ Jesus, and gave us a way back to uphold love and honor with him, truth and righteous ways lived: but a man must be given to this.

In such— God laid the example of reasons for divorce (or loosing, for man loosed himself from God many times over, but God desired RECONCILIATION); and the reason for the loosing— had to do with hard-heartedness toward righteousness and love: if we walk in the same— we will not lay our lives down unto God or our brethren or spouses: hardness of heart can be overcome— through being born again, and with being given a new heart— that behaves, believes— unto righteousness within them— as they uphold marriage covenant.  

If a new heart comes forth— a new man comes forth.  If a new man comes forth (in truth and sincerity, with joy), then Christ has arisen in his light (arise and shine for your light has come— him in his ways and person) within this person— for his glory has come (Isaiah 60:1); and this person does not hate the light (his person), but has embraced the light; so that the light may reveal what is in them.  

God does not desire divorce, or to remain divorced— but to be reconciled: to him, and also one another— in one way, shape, form, or scope: he knows how to do this in all people.  Many of us will come through forgiveness (truly releasing a person, and from all charges, so as it is not in us in harm any longer, at all); and through forgiveness, and a new heart— shall be brought into a new love, a new intercession, a new servanthood in action— one toward another: and in this— be healed in Christ Jesus.

When the body is healed— Jesus’ body shall be whole again, in his life, in earth (soul and body); for his church has been healed/restored in her spirit, soul, and body (actions and deeds walked out); for she has reconciled herself to her husband, within: and in this— we are one.

I know there are reasons why divorce happens— but God does not ideally desire this: and that is the point.  Where it can be saved: let us give ourselves to the saving, healing, rescue, and recovery of a partnership— as the Lord leads us.  Where it cannot be (for whatever reason), let us part in peace (being restored within to righteousness, love and truth upheld), and let us— begin again: whether to marry to another soul as the Lord leads, or not, and to remain single and unto him alone: but whatever we do— let us do it unto Christ: and let us shame no man, nor judge them for their past crimes— but forgive them— for they know not what they do.

Let us remain in peace.  Let us remain free (in truth, spirit, love).  Let us remain in union and harmony with our spiritual husband: for he is the husband of the interior conduct we are led of: and if we are in him, and he is exalted in us— we will love another as he loves us: and this— is the fulfillment of the Law in Christ Jesus.

For it was always to love God with everything— and then turn and love ‘other’ the same: and then we were supposed to exemplify this— in our earthly marriages.  For we were to be prospering in all of this way of life within, with God; and then show our children how it’s done with God within— and then unto another: fulfilling his righteousness in us: multiply, populate the earth, and prosper— in the way of heaven lived— in the earth (or souls of men in the realm of the material).

I pray we see the value of each other.  I pray we see the value of God, and his godliness.   I pray we would see the value of marriage— both with God, and with man: for in a wholeness of both— the manifestation of the sons of God (who live as Jesus lived in the earth) shall come forth: and the light of God shall shine among men; and the world shall witness God and his original plans of man and God— living in love: pure godliness.

We can do this.  In Christ who strengthens us in all things to do all things— who schools us in all things— we can do this: but it will take sacrifice, a change in thinking (if you cannot conceive it, it shall not be for you, it will not become manifest nor alive in you), dedication, submission, surrender, resolution, reformation of the inward parts— AND A TRUE LOVE IN CHRIST JESUS: but it’s doable— and not only doable— IT’S IN THE WORKS, PLANS, AGENDA, AND FUTURE OF HEAVEN IN EARTH.

Let us come through all the healing, deliverance, reformation, surrender, submission, discipline, and correction that we need to with God, unto God, in God: because if we will— we will usher in the greatest time with God in earth— where love, truth, righteousness— REIGNS SUPREME— in his people: and where we are now— IN ONE ACCORD— one toward the other.

How else do we think we will get to heaven on earth with the Lord— but to see this call, heed this call, be given to this call of LOVE REFORMATION within us, walk it out, and become love incarnate?  

It’s his workmanship— but we must be given to it: and marriage is highly regarded in the Lord Jesus Christ: and it ought to be highly regarded here: for it is much more than union between two people in their souls, hearts, and bodies: it's a mission field unto itself in some people’s lives (many people’s lives).  And we ought to be given to it— as the Lord leads.

Where it is dissolved— let it be so.  And let the Lord lead you forward.

But where it can be restored (because love still lives, and the marriage is still legal), let us be given to intercessions, love sent forth, preference given, sacrifice made, kindness instilled, patience enacted, long-suffering (going without— because we can, it’s not preferable, but possible to abstain) walked out— remaining in joy, in the joy of the Lord through it all; until the Lord says otherwise: and then, even— let us begin again in love, joy, peace, long-suffering one another, in patience, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, grace, and godliness.

For in this— we can all be reconciled— in spirit; and sometimes, even, be reconciled in soul— whilst still in this realm: but whatever we do— let us do it unto Christ and godliness: in everything give thanks— for this is the will of God— in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:17

“And whatsoever you do in word or deed— do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Colossians 3:23-24

“And whatsoever you do— do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.”