How do I help my friend to spiritually deal with divorce?

Question

Please feel free to remove this if it is not appropriate for the sub. ​ So, some necessary background: ​ My friend is being divorced. He initiated the proceedings and she fought it hard at first. Suggested everything she could to keep the marriage together but he wanted out. He became very verbally and emotionally abuse (in my opinion, mostly to get her to leave). This opened her eyes to things that had been going on since before they got married that was very messed up. Still, she firmly believes that they should remain married due to her Christian beliefs. To quote, "God doesn't believe in divorce". ​ Not to split hairs, but even that sentence has some issues. I am not Christian myself (Pagan here), but I want to be supportive while also encouraging her to leave this toxic situation. I realize that ultimately it is her choice and life, but is there any kind of spiritual guide or point that I can use as a counterargument? I have not read the Bible in a long time so my memory on passages is rusty, but I am also open to other religious points of view (or non religious).

Answer 1

From a Christian Pastor's perspective, a lot of the answer hinges on her husband's faith. The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this situation in 1 Corinthians 7 IF her husband is not a Christian and wants to abandon the marriage. If he does so, she should let him go. The passage is clear that she should not attempt to make him stay if he doesn't share her faith.

If not, there is still little she can do to make him stay. Her last act of submission as a Christian wife to her husband may be to let him go. It may also be to fight for her marriage. Sometimes letting go is the best way to fight. I have seen many marriages reunite after circumstances like these and flourish.

She is right to attempt to maintain her marriage until that option is taken from her.