Support Groups

Support groups, especially divorce support groups, can be a tremendous help and encouragement for those going through a divorce. Talking to others who have survived divorce with all its pain and anguish or those who are currently going through the stages of divorce can help with divorce healing and direction. At the very least, you will quickly find out that you are not the only one who is wrestling with the issues and difficulties that come with divorce.

Often times, God allows us to face suffering in our lives so that we will learn perseverance and develop Christian character (Romans 5:3). God is our source of comfort in our times of suffering. As Paul says in his letter to the Corinthians, we learn how to comfort others because of the comfort we received from God in our time of need (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

That is, in essence, why this site even exists. God comforted me and gave me hope in a hopeless situation. God continues to bring people into my life that are going through a divorce or are trying to reconcile in the midst of a separation so that I might share with them, the hope God has given me.

You will find that those God has comforted will be happy to share that comfort with you. They can offer you understanding, encouragement and even advice about what to do and what not to do based on their own experiences.

Warning – when taking advice from others, be certain it lines up with God’s will. Pray about it and examine the Scriptures before applying it to your situation. For example – the advice to take your spouse for everything they have and make them pay for their actions is not God honoring. Whereas, the advice to ensure you are able to meet your children’s needs by stipulating that both parents share the responsibility, is.

Secular groups may offer help with working through legal, financial and parenting issues. Some community organizations such as the YMCA and some governments offer legal seminars dealing with family issues, parenting classes and even some adult education and job training programs. Check with your local organizations to find out what types of programs are offered in your area. It is worth your time to call around and find out what resources are available to you. You may find that many of them are low cost or even free.

Christian support groups, however, offer you the spiritual support you need to help you experience divorce healing in your heart and soul. We are told in Galatians to carry each others burdens (Galatians 6:2). Doing so not only helps lighten each others load but it also helps us fulfill the law to “love one another” (John 13:34).

I personally attended a Divorce Care group in a neighboring church a couple of years after my separation and it dramatically impacted the quality and speed of my healing. After completing the course as a participant, I co-led a group and saw even more dramatic healing in myself. The more opportunity I had to pray with, talk with and help others, the more my divorce healing increased. You can search for Divorce Care support groups currently being hosted in your area.

If you can’t find a group listed near you, there may be other support groups offered in your area. Keep in mind, you do not have to be a member of a church to attend a divorce recovery group. They are generally open to the community at large. Do not hesitate to ask churches, divorce lawyers, others who have been divorced or even local government offices where to find support groups.

While it is important to have a good study to guide you on your journey of divorce healing, the greatest healing comes from sharing with others who understand. When you see and recognize that you are not the only one who is feeling these feelings and wrestling with these issues, you are helped and encouraged. Even if you are still in the beginning stages of divorce recovery when all can you do is cry, you will be comforted to know and see that others have been right where you are – maybe a few days ago, maybe a few months ago and maybe even years ago – but you are not the only one.

Have You Attended a Divorce Support Group?

What group did you attend? How was it helpful? Would you recommend it to others?

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