The EX generation

In preparation for the next bit of Malachi we are looking at on Sunday I've been working on the Biblical Theology of marriage and divorce and in my wider reading came across a great article in The Briefing on the children of divorced parents. I found it both challenging and helpful as I think about preaching God's word to a congregation affected by and living in a broken world.

"They are statistically more likely to do poorly academically; to suffer from depression, anxiety and low self esteem; to abuse substances; to be sexually active earlier; to participate in delinquency; and to experience divorce in their own marriages..."

"Divorce is not just an isolated incident in a child's life; it tends to affect everything in the years that follow..."

"...As more children from broken homes enter adulthood, we should expect to see a higher incidence of divorce, more people with mental health problems, more substance abusers and more individuals with relational issues."

It is not saying that all children of divorce experience this just that the statistics show they are more likely to. The article helpfully gives advice on how, as a church, to love those going through this:

1. Preach and teach the truths of the Bible to everyone.
2. Share the gospel - it alone saves.
3. Work hard at our own marriages (I've added this, the article assumes it, but I don't!)
4. Model good relationships and have people in and out of your home to see them in action.
5. Provide support.