Should I divorce my husband for exposing himself?
Question:
A neighbor recently approached me and said my husband has been exposing himself to her lately. She brought up three instances; however, I could almost understand how each happened. For example, he would be changing into a bathing suit and not shut the door all the way. Anyway, when I was crying on my other neighbor's shoulder, she said although it never concerned her, she had seen it too but said it was always an accident. To make it worse, her teenage children have seen him too. It's happened seven or eight times in all. My husband is adamant, of course, that nothing was intentional and there is an almost rational excuse for each time, but how could anyone believe something like this could be an accident this many times?
My question is really this: although I'll admit our marriage was not strong, to begin with, would God allow a divorce for something like this? Or am I still bound to the marriage in His eyes even if I were to divorce?
Thank you. You have been a big help to me in the past. I am praying to hear from you again. God bless.
Answer:
It is stretching credibility to know that these "accidents" are happening repeatedly. Your husband needs counseling. Since what is happening is illegal in most states, I would mention to neighbors and the husband that if they chose to report the incident to the police that you would not hold it against them. I suspect the potential of an arrest will put a stop to the accidents quite rapidly.
What your husband is doing is immoral, but it is not fornication. See: What is included in porneia? If you chose to divorce him over these events, you would not be able to remarry. "Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife" (I Corinthians 7:10-11). What your husband needs is help. And what your marriage needs is help as well. You will be better off focusing your energies on strengthening your relationship.
