Divorce evokes strong emotions and consideration, particularly for Christians. The Bible offers clear guidance on when divorce might be acceptable based on its teachings about marriage and divorce.
Matthew 18:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Matthew 18:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Matthew 18:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Matthew 18:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matthew 18:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
Matthew 18:8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Matthew 18:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
What the Bible states on the acceptability of divorce for Christians.
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant established by God between a man and a woman. The story of Adam and Eve demonstrates that marriage is intended to be a lifelong, committed union.
Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
This covenant is not only a contract but also a deep spiritual and emotional union. The Bible mentions specific grounds for divorce, primarily focusing on sexual immorality and abandonment.
Jesus states that divorce is permissible in cases of sexual immorality, emphasizing the seriousness of adultery as a violation of the marital covenant.
Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
According to 1 Corinthians 7, if an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage, the believer is “not bound” in such circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. In such cases, a brother or a sister is not under bondage; but God hath called us to peace.
When a spouse is unfaithful, the injured party must prioritize rebuilding trust and intimacy. The Bible mandates husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, emphasizing the aspects of protection and cherishing.
Forgiveness and reconciliation are unwavering Christian values, and numerous biblical passages emphatically urge couples to pursue these within their marriages.
It may not always be possible to reconcile, especially in cases of ongoing infidelity or abuse. Christians are advised to seek counsel and explore all options for healing and restoration before choosing to get a divorce. Divorce has significant impacts on all family members, especially children.
The end of a marriage can result in emotional and psychological difficulties. The issue of remarriage after divorce is also discussed in the Bible. According to Jesus, remarriage after divorce is considered adultery unless the divorce was due to sexual immorality. This emphasizes the significance of the marital union and the consequences of its dissolution.
For Christians dealing with marital challenges, it’s important to seek God’s guidance through prayer and the word of God. Pastoral counseling and support from the church community can offer valuable insights and help couples work through their difficulties with a faith-centered approach.
Any so-called pastor or church that contradicts the Bible is simply sharing their own opinion, not God’s rules.
When seeking advice, demand biblical evidence to support their claims, and don’t let them twist the context to suit their own views. Many contemporary or modern so-called pastors may misguide you with advice that doesn’t align with God’s word.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
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