Divorce


The Bible gives principles that can serve as guidelines. But you will not find a specific verse that addresses each specific divorce situation. Each case is different. Every person must be fully persuaded in his own mind concerning the decision to divorce.

You must decide whether a better purpose can be served by two individuals staying together, or whether it would be better if the marriage was dissolved.

Only the individuals concerned can know the intimate details, the problems, the pros and cons of a marriage. These are deeply involved questions and Christians with Spirit-guided consciences will not take them lightly.

The Bible gives two exceptions where divorce is permitted:
1) adultery - Matthew 5:31-32
2) abandonment - 1 Corinthians 7:10-15

First, let’s look at the issue of adultery, sometimes stated as sexual immorality, or (my own preference) unfaithfulness. Unfaithfulness can occur physically and emotionally or mentally.

Second, particularly for Christians, divorce is permitted when an unbelieving spouse abandons the relationship. The Christian is not to be the cause of a divorce. The Christian is not to be the one who abandons the unbelieving spouse. But if the unbelieving spouse leaves, then the Christian is free.

Don’t forget that abandonment isn’t necessarily limited to the physical absence of a spouse. It can also be mental, emotional, and other ways that a spouse absences him or herself from the marriage.

So, as Jesus said, divorce for any reason or cause is not allowed. The Scriptures are clear on the two exceptions, but within the exceptions of adultery and abandonment is a lot of room and there are many nuances to each of those to areas.

If you have been divorced, was your divorce biblically permitted?

Call me or email me and we can talk about it.