'For some years now I have followed a simple rule, that when anyone asks me a question about divorce, I refuse to answer it until I have first talked about two other subjects, namely, marriage and reconciliation. This is a simple attempt to follow Jesus in his own priorities. When the Pharisees asked him about the grounds for divorce, he referred them instead to the original institution of marriage. If we allow ourselves to become preoccupied with divorce and its grounds, rather than with marriage and its essentials, we lapse into Pharasaism. For God's purpose is marriage not divorce, and his gospel is good news of reconciliation.'
John Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today (3rd Edition), p.341.
