Qeustion
I’m trying to find out how God feels about a woman living with a man without being married to him? We were married for 14 years then divorce, however we were only apart 6 months. Since this we have lived together for 11 years. Did God recognize our divorce?
Answer
Of course God condemns fornication and adultery. You know that. Many passages on that, starting with Matthew 19.
From what you have said I cannot find fornication or adultery in your relationship.
If there are other, complicating details, then you need to consider your responsibilities in those areas. Again, Matthew 19 is a good place to start.
My advice to you is to obey the law of the land:
Rom 13:1-6 (NAS) 1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. 5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for {rulers} are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
As Christians, we are bound to submit to the local civil law, except of course where it tells us to violate God’s law.
And as the local laws have provisions for marriage and divorce, I think it would be a good idea to get married again. Not that you have to go through a lot of hoopla and ceremony. (That word, “hoopla” is not in the Bible, probably not in Webster’s either.) Some people do, but a simple justice of the peace thing could make your marriage “legal” in the sight of the law of the land. I think it would be worth doing.
As you well know, marriage involves a committment to each other and to God. Right now, in a way you are not so committed. I think God would be pleased to have you and your husband to commit to your marriage.
By David Baize
