June 22: IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES

As rapidly as couples are entering the churches these days of June declaring their eternal love for one another, another set of couples are leaving the Courthouse with a divorce decree. The marriage license has been replaced by a divorce decree stamped “irreconcilable differences”.
How did it happen? Did they know so little about each other when they were married? Did they think the differences of courtship would disappear? Were they so unsure of their relationship that they refused pre-marital counseling because they knew what was going to be revealed? Or is there really a “irreconcilable difference” basis for divorce?
The prophet Amos (Amos 3:3 NIV) asked the question, “do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” and the answer, of course, is “no”.
In the wedding ceremony two people agree to walk together. The assumption is that they have discovered a basis for unity or oneness in being together. The desire to be together is so strong that it demands subjecting everything else to the goal of “oneness”.
Divorce happens when ego and pride get control. Irreconcilable differences is another way of saying here are two stubborn people who refuse to communicate about their egotism and hardheadedness enough to work out their problems. Self-centered people would rather have “irreconcilable differences” than give up their pride and give in to compromise.
If a Christian couple decides to sacrifice their marriage on the altar of “irreconcilable differences”, they are denying the power of God to heal their differences. Jesus said, “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
Many people who have gotten the divorce decree later admit, “I wish I had tried a little harder to work out our differences.” Couples will always have differences. God will always have the power to work out differences. God has made a way, through Jesus, to reconcile people to Himself and one another.

“It truly is a miracle on earth, O God, when a couple give You permission
to make them one. Make us who have received the gift keepers of the gift.
Amen”