• The divorce rate has risen greatly in the past 100 years.

  • In 1900 the rate was about 8%.

  • In 1940 the rate was about 20%.

  • In 1970 the rate was about 33%.

  • In 2011 the rate was about 50% of first marriages.

  • The rate was about 60% of second marriages.

  • The rate was about 73% of third marriages.

  • Regardless of the cause, God hates divorce.

  • One of the best safeguards against divorce is marrying a Christian.

  • I Kings 11:1-8

  • The four major causes of divorce have been listed as follows:

  • Sexual incompatibility

  • I Corinthians 7:1-3 - Husband and wife are to fulfill their duties to each other.

  • Financial irresponsibility

  • Galatians 5:3 - Christians are to show self-control.

  • Alcoholism

  • Proverbs 20:1 - Drunkenness condemned

  • I Peter 4:3-5.

  • Religious discord

  • It is a great strain to a marriage when both are not Christians.

  • Things that will make divorce impossible:

  • Love and respect for God’s law

  • Love and respect for one another

  • Do not be angry at the same time.

  • Do not go to bed angry.

  • Knock out selfishness. Do not say: “My mate is not treating me as he/she should.” Rather ask: “Am I treating my mate as I should?”

  • Summed up: be a Christian!