This scenario occured from an argument on November 1st, 2005. I write this December 20th, 2005. We have NONE of the scriptural reasons for divorce. I have sought urgent help from our pastors, and I am getting little response. What can the church do to help avoid the sin of divorce? We are running out of time. I need help and spiritual guidance.

I would urge you to try again to talk to one of your pastors. It's difficult for me to imagine that they would not be responsive to your call for help. If you are unable to get a response from them, then I would suggest that you contact one of the elders of your church and ask him to assist you in setting up an appointment with one of your pastors. If all of that fails—and I don't think it will—then you could phone a neighboring WELS pastor, explain the circumstances, and ask for his help.

God's will is that marriages should remain intact. He says that he hates divorce. He makes it clear that the only "grounds for divorce" are adultery (Matthew 19:9) or desertion (1 Corinthians 7:15). I pray that your marriage will be rescued from dissolution. But it does take two, both wife and husband, who are willing to work at whatever problems there might be. Hopefully, your wife also will agree to be guided by the counsel of God's Word.