Stowell's Advice

One of the most balanced treatments of divorce comes from the pen of Joseph Stowell, president of Moody Bible Institute. Admitting that he has struggled mightily on how to apply the Bible’s teachings on this subject, he wrote, Frankly, at times I have wished that God had written one more chapter in the Bible detailing the proper application point by point. But He has not.

Instead, He desires that we study diligently and prayerfully, seeking both wisdom and compassion. In summary, Stowell says we must keep our commitment to strong families and still provide welcome and support to those who have been damaged by divorce. This means maintaining a proper balance between grace and truth. Grace that threatens truth is not grace at all, he writes.

And truth apart from grace requires the impossible goal of perfection. God’s nature combines grace and truth without compromising either. This is our challenge, too, if we are to display His character in our day when broken homes are so common.

This means: • Truth demands that the biblical teachings about marriage and divorce must never be lost or weakened. Family is God’s first and foremost institution. It is true that God hates divorce and that the Bible emphasizes that marriage is an indissoluble contract between two people and a sacred commitment sanctioned by God and sealed by vows spoken in His name. • Grace demands that we apply biblical requirements with tender compassion. Grace seeks to help.

Grace is remedial. Grace finds godly, gifted people in the church to stand beside the victims of divorce, including the children. Grace recognizes that some who have experienced the wrenching trauma of divorce still have a heart for God and a desire to grow in Him. It is a difficult issue, admits Stowell, but in today’s world it is a vitally important issue.

We can find the solution only in an uncompromised combination of that divine blend of grace and truth.