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| Q: | My spouse in our brief marrige[legally 3 years] has never honored the vows. It's been a constant roller coaster ride. This person totally lacks any kind of commitment. The year before this I have been served with legal seperation papers and divorce papers. This past year the divorce would have been final in April. Two weeks before the final I was asked to forgive that person, and I did. All was well for one month then down the big ride again. This year we have been together for a total of two months This person left again with no intention of coming back. I have e-mails stating this. I have not heard from her or know were this person is since August. The church we belong to knows of this also and says nothing. To me it is very sad for a little girl that is in this picture. My question is how long do I wait for the papers or do I start the proceedings, and am I right in doing so on these grounds for divorce? | ||||||
| A: | From what you have written, in the eyes of God you have grounds to file for divorce, since your spouse has deserted you and thus made it impossible for the marriage to continue. This is sometimes called "malicious desertion." The Bible says, "If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances" (1 Corinthians 7:15). I strongly encourage you to meet with your pastor about this. I am sure that, from what you have told me about your spouse's actions, your pastor will agree with me that you do have the right to file for divorce. Whether or not you should continue to try to get your spouse to return is not for me to say since from your brief letter I am not well enough acquainted with the circumstances. However, it appears that you have done what you can to keep the marriage intact, but that your spouse is not willing to do so. | ||||||
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