Divorce is a difficult topic that can be emotionally and spiritually challenging for those who have experienced it. While divorce is not something that God desires for His people, the Bible does provide guidance for those who find themselves in this situation. In this blog, we will explore what the Bible says about divorce.
- God's design for marriage
God's original plan for marriage is outlined in the book of Genesis: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). God's design for marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, where the two become one and are joined together by God.
- Divorce is not God's desire
While God allows for divorce in certain circumstances, it is not something that He desires for His people. In Matthew 19:8, Jesus states, "Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning, it was not so." Divorce is a result of sin and the brokenness of the world, not God's original plan for marriage.
- Divorce is only permitted in certain circumstances
While divorce is not ideal, there are certain circumstances where it is permitted in the Bible. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus states, "And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." This means that divorce is only permitted in cases of sexual immorality (infidelity) and remarriage is only allowed if the divorce was due to sexual immorality.
- Reconciliation should be sought
While divorce may be permitted in certain circumstances, the Bible encourages reconciliation and forgiveness whenever possible. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul writes, "To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." This passage encourages spouses to seek reconciliation and forgiveness whenever possible.
- God's grace and forgiveness
No matter what the circumstances of divorce, God's grace and forgiveness are available to all who seek it. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." God is a God of healing and restoration, and He is able to bring healing and wholeness to those who have experienced the pain of divorce.
In conclusion, while divorce is not something that God desires for His people, the Bible does provide guidance for those who find themselves in this situation. Divorce is only permitted in certain circumstances, and reconciliation and forgiveness should be sought whenever possible. No matter what the circumstances of divorce, God's grace and forgiveness are available to all who seek it.