Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that divorce was not part of God's original plan for humanity, stating, "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder" (6MR 360.1). She explained that while the ideal is a lifelong union, a because of the "hardness of their hearts" and the "degeneracy of the people" (3SM 221.5). In her writings, she acknowledged that the departure from God’s ideal often stems from human sinfulness and "ill-assorted marriages" (MYP 453.2). She specifically noted that "separation between husband and wife" was permitted for . However, she also dealt with complex cases where a spouse's behavior made domestic life unbearable. For instance, she once told a man with a "harsh, cruel spirit" that his wife "had reason to consider that she and the children would be happier without [his] company" (10MR 194.1). Ellen White often described the "vexed question of marriage and divorces" as a difficult subject (13MR 296.3). She observed that many which resulted in "inexpressible misery" and drove asunder those who should have been united (YI August 10, 1899, par. 9). While she upheld the sanctity of the marriage bond, she recognized the reality of human failure and the need for divine mercy in these situations. For practical application, Ellen White urged individuals to be extremely careful before entering the marriage covenant. She noted that "the happiness of families and churches depends upon home influences" (4T 522.2). To prevent the breakdown of a home, she encouraged partners to seek the to overcome critical or exacting dispositions (10MR 194.1). In conclusion, while divorce is a departure from God's original design and often the result of "misery and sin" (MYP 453.2), Ellen White recognized specific biblical grounds for separation and the necessity of protecting the well-being of family members in extreme cases of abuse or unfaithfulness. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What counsel did Ellen White give for those considering marriage? • What did she write about the biblical grounds for remarriage? • How can a husband and wife blend their differing dispositions to avoid discord? --- 📚 **81 passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22divorce)