Divorce and Forgiveness

[psalm23now]

I don’t understand how an all loving God can forgive me for countless sins, including adultery… but cannot advocate divorce when I clearly regret getting married in the first place.

Couldn’t I just go to confession after the divorce for absolution ?

I view it as a regretful mistake, just like lying or stealing or whatever…

 

[whatevergirl]

There’s a difference between advocation, and forgiveness. God doesn’t advocate adultery either, but he forgives a truly repentant and contrite sinner. If we divorce, it depends on if the marriage was valid to begin with, to even ask for forgiveness. The forgiveness that someone seeks from going through a divorce, would be more appropriate if the divorce was based on selfish reasons, and not because the marriage wasn’t ‘meant to be’ to begin with. Not sure if I’m making sense, but God forgives if we are truly contrite and repentant. If we divorce and remarry, without having a decree of nullity, that would be sinful…no matter the circumstances. I am not sure I have helped here, but just wanted to add my thoughts.

God bless…and when in doubt, seeking out a priest to ask your questions of, is never a wrong way to go.

 

[Trishie]

I feel rather sorry for your wife, to be viewed as a mistake who can be treated without love or respect.
I guess there is still the question of whether the marriage was valid in God’s eyes.
You both are in my prayers. God bless you.

 

[puzzleannie]

I don’t understand how an all loving God can forgive me for countless sins, including adultery… but cannot advocate divorce when I clearly regret getting married in the first place.

Couldn’t I just go to confession after the divorce for absolution ?

I view it as a regretful mistake, just like lying or stealing or whatever…

divorce is objectively sinful, but so is the behaviors that lead to many divorces. The Church does permit separation of the spouses in cases of ongoing abuse and complete disregard of the marriage vow to the point the relationship is irretrievable, and she further permits civil divorce if the legal proceeding is necessary to protect the interersts of the innocent party and the children. In such cases it would not be sinful, but one should definitely be in counselling with a priest during all this for the health of one’s soul.

Just because I regret getting married is not grounds for divorce.

What the Church does not permit is remarriage after a valid marriage and divorce.