Beyond Control

CHAPTER 4: Jennifer carelessly lost her pregnancy, and she was discharged from the hospital

The following day, John went to work and saw Raymond, his best friend, and a coworker. He told Raymond everything that had happened, but Ramond, a good friend, kept encouraging him to make the right decision. John told them that he wanted to get a divorce, but Ramond insisted that wasn't the best course of action. A Christian like you shouldn't think about getting a divorce in a marriage, no matter the circumstances or how your partner may be acting or living. Raymond warned John that if he sought to divorce her, he may lose his job, since Jennifer's father had helped him get it and because he was the CEO of one of the largest companies owned by Jennifer's father. But John informed Raymond that he didn't care and that it would be better for him to be unemployed and have peace than to be employed and live with a lady who doesn't make him feel peaceful. John also said that she was a lost cause as far as he was concerned, but Raymond argued that he shouldn't think that way.

When John got home from work that day, he found his wife drinking and smoking in the living room, as usual. He left and went right to their bedroom, where he discovered that his money had been taken. He went downstairs and asked Jennifer why she had taken his money from where he kept it, and she began insulting him by asking, "How much is it? Why are you making a fuss about some foolish change you left there? She stated.

Are you kidding me? Asked John. You don't think the allowances your father gives you each month are sufficient. Why did you have to take anything from me? He spoke.

So you're keeping an eye on my movements? Do you realize that the amount my father provides me is a problem? She stated, "What is your problem? Why are you now trying to frustrate me? All you do is sit at home, drink smoke, and do all sorts of nonsense," John said to her in an irate tone. John uttered.

Are you mad? Jennifer questioned John as she got to her feet. Are you a moron? Have you lost your mind? What are you excellent at, John inquired of her? You are nothing but a spoiled brat who does nothing but smoke and drink. After John told her so, Jennifer smacked him and threatened to do it again if he changed another word from this "mouth". I can't do this any longer; I need to get a divorce,'' John said as he stormed out.

Jennifer was really happy to hear that from him, since it was exactly what she had always wanted from him, and the split was more important to her than her independence. After you eventually agreed to her terms and conditions, she said, "Please file for divorce; I'm ready to sign the paperwork."

John then began calling the lawyer before leaving for work to inquire about how long it would take for the divorce to be finalized. When his coworker Raymond entered the room, he asked him who he was on the phone with, and he said, "a lawyer."

Sorry, dude. I'm exhausted and fed up with all Jennifer has put me through, so I've decided to file for divorce since I can't go on like this any longer. John said. So, in your opinion, is it the wisest move? Raymond questioned John.

There is nothing more I can do; therefore, it's the best alternative, John said. Have you attempted to speak with her? Raymond proposed. John informed Raymond that instead of conversing, they argued. Let me ask you this: Do you love her? Please be honest in your response. Raymond questioned John. "I don't know anymore at this point," John retorted.

If you love her, Raymond claims, you will be able to see beyond her flaws, but John claims that there are just too many for him to bear.

Then have you tried to change her faults? If you think that she has too many, but John insisted that even her parents couldn't change who she is, her lifestyle, or the way she lives, then who is he to be able to change her fault? All of a sudden, his friend tells him that love surpasses all of her faults. If he genuinely loves her, he won't try to change her flaws or the sort of life she leads. Raymond asked John what love is, and John said that it's a feeling. I reminded John that love goes far beyond emotions, and Raymond smiled. Then he instructed John to take out his phone and open the Bible app. He then handed John a section of the Bible to read, and John began to do so. He gave John 1 Corinthians 13, verses 4–7, from the Bible.

Verse 4 of the passage states that love is patient and gentle, does not envy, does not display itself, and is not conceited. 6: "Love does not delight in wickedness but rejoices in the truth." 7: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love does not act rudely. Love does not seek its own. Love is not provoked. Love thinks no ill.

After John may have completed reading that specific Bible verse, Raymond likewise pulled out his phone, opened the Bible app, and began reading the other Bible passages to John.

He read, and I quote: "The Bible offers instruction on various facets of marriage and relationships, including the love and duties between a husband and wife." The New Testament's book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 25–33, has one significant passage that especially speaks about the love a man should have for his wife.

According to Ephesians 5:25–33 of the New International Version:

"Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and sacrificed himself for her, to make her holy, clean her by the word-washing with water, and to present her to himself as a dazzling church, without stain, wrinkle, or any other blemish, but pure and faultless. In this regard, husbands should treat their wives the same way they treat their own bodies. If a man loves his wife, he also loves himself. Since we are all a part of Christ's body, the church, no one has ever disliked their own body, and as Scripture states, "a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Although I am referring to Christ and the church, this is a deep mystery. Each of you must, however, respect your husbands and love their wives as much as you love yourselves.