Marriage Separation:
Should Christian Couples Separate?

Are you wondering if a temporary separation would save your marriage? Well, we can't say that we blame you.

Michael and I have been exactly where you are now. We didn't separate but we certainly considered it early on in our marriage.

Dealing with the same issues month after month, and year after year wore us out! Emotional exhaustion made the thought of separation seem very appealing.

We reasoned with ourselves and with each other that a temporary separation would allow us time to think things over and perhaps gain a new perspective on our relationship.

To be honest with you, I think we were just tired of dealing with each other's issues.

I don't remember exactly what happened to change our minds. I can only say it must have been God's grace. Because at some point, we realized marriage separation was not the answer.

Here are two reasons why:

#1 It's Not the Will of God...

"Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together, Matthew 19:6." Despite what others may believe, we believe God's original intent was that marriage would be a lifetime covenant.

The above scripture says, "let no one separate them" and for us it means just what it says. Christian couples should not let anything come between them.

Are there cases when christian marriage separation is necessary? Yes, but only in extreme circumstances.

When you said your wedding vows, you made a vow to God. The Bible says, "It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it, Ecc 5:5".

Maybe you don't have a problem breaking promises, but breaking a promise to God should not be taken lightly. It's very serious.

"But I need space to think." No, you don't need space to think --- It's the voice of God you should be listening to. And He can speak to you right where you are.

"But I need time to find myself." Child of God, you're not lost.

And even if you were, God has the best navigation system in the world . He knows your exact location and the purpose of your life.

Beloved, if you seek Him with your whole heart, He'll reveal your true identity; He'll show you how you got where you are; Then He'll guide you safely to victory.

There's no doubt He can do it because He did it for us!

#2 It Opens a Door for Satan...

Anytime you go against God's instructions for your life, you are opening a door for Satan to come in and cause destruction.

The Bible says that Satan walks the earth like a roaring lion seeking those he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

One of Satan's most used weapons is the spirit of division. The spirit of division is out of control in the world today.

But as a Christian, you must be discerning enough to recognize it when it comes and then fight against it by the Spirit of God!

Marriage is about unity. (Gen. 2:24) Again, division is a tactic of the devil.

Once you open the door for Satan, rest assured he won't stop until he has caused even greater damage. We see it happen all the time...

What was suppose to have been a trial separation ends with each person permanently going their separate ways.

If the two of you have not yet separated, we urge you not to do so.

You stand a much better chance of fighting for your marriage united than you do divided. You see, there's power in unity and agreement.

If you join together as one flesh, and stand in agreement, no demon in hell can tear you apart!

But My Spouse Already Left Me -- What Can I Do?

If you are already separated, our best separation advice is to block out any voice that says your marriage is over...

Nothing is over until God says it's over! It's that simple.

Is that denial? No. It's faith in an all powerful God who can do anything, except fail.

There is no question of whether He can restore your marriage. The question is, do you believe He can? If you believe He can, there's only one thing left to do --
fight for your marriage!