How does God feel about divorce?

Divorce is a topic that carries significant weight both socially and morally, and its implications are deeply rooted in religious teachings, particularly within Christianity. Understanding how God feels about divorce requires a thorough examination of biblical principles, passages, and theological interpretations. This exploration will delve into various aspects of divorce from a biblical perspective, using references primarily from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

God’s Original Design for Marriage

To comprehend God’s perspective on divorce, it’s essential to first examine His original intention for marriage as established in Scripture.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV): “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

This foundational verse from Genesis highlights God’s design for marriage—a union between one man and one woman that is characterized by unity and intimacy. The concept of becoming “one flesh” underscores the spiritual, emotional, and physical unity intended in marriage.

Malachi 2:16 (NKJV): “For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

In Malachi, God expresses His strong sentiment against divorce, explicitly stating that He hates it because it brings violence and treachery. This passage reflects God’s original intent for marriage to be a covenant that endures, promoting stability and mutual commitment.

Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce

Jesus Christ further elaborates on the topic of divorce, providing clarity and reinforcing God’s perspective from the Old Testament.

Matthew 19:4-6 (NKJV): “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.'”

Jesus reaffirms God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong union between a man and a woman. He emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the seriousness of the commitment, warning against human efforts to dissolve what God has joined together.

Matthew 19:8-9 (NKJV): “He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.'”

Here, Jesus acknowledges the provision for divorce under Mosaic Law but clarifies that it was granted due to human sinfulness and hardness of heart. He underscores that divorce is permissible in cases of sexual immorality (often interpreted as adultery), but remarriage after divorce, except in cases of adultery, constitutes adultery itself. This teaching emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and remarriage in God’s eyes.

God ordained that the marriage institution to bless humanity. The companionship of husband and wife was made by God as the ideal environment in which to develop and elevate the character. Most of the personality adjustments of married life call for the practice of love and self-sacrifice.

True “love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

When Christians enter into the marriage relationship, they should accept the responsibility of applying these principles. Husbands and wives who apply these principles, and who are willing for the grace of Christ to operate in their lives, will find that there is no difficulty, however serious it may appear to be, that cannot be solved.

Pauline Teachings on Divorce and Marriage

The Apostle Paul provides further insights into marriage and divorce within the context of Christian teachings and the church community.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV): “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.”

Paul echoes Jesus’ teachings by emphasizing the importance of marital commitment and discouraging divorce. He advises that separation should ideally be temporary, with reconciliation as the goal. If separation occurs, he advises against remarriage unless reconciliation is not possible.

1 Corinthians 7:15 (NKJV): “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”

Paul addresses situations where one spouse is an unbeliever and chooses to leave the marriage. In such cases, he acknowledges that the believer is not bound to maintain the marriage under those circumstances, emphasizing the importance of living in peace.

Divorce and Remarriage in Context

While the biblical stance on divorce is clear, the contexts and nuances surrounding divorce and remarriage are also addressed in Scripture.

Mark 10:11-12 (NKJV): “So He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'”

In this passage, Jesus reiterates the seriousness of divorce and remarriage, emphasizing that remarriage after divorce (without the exception of sexual immorality) constitutes adultery. This underscores the high standard of fidelity and commitment expected in marriage.

Romans 7:2-3 (NKJV): “For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.”

Paul uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate the permanence of the marital bond. As long as both spouses are alive, they are bound to each other. Remarriage while the former spouse is alive is compared to adultery unless the former spouse has died, releasing the surviving spouse from that marital bond.

God’s Compassion and Grace

While the Bible upholds a high standard for marriage and discourages divorce, it also reveals God’s compassion and grace towards those who have experienced divorce.

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV): “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

God understands the pain and brokenness that often accompany divorce. He is close to those who are hurting and offers comfort and healing to those who turn to Him with a repentant heart.

Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV): “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”

Jesus quotes this verse in Luke 4:18-19, highlighting His mission to bring healing and freedom to those who are brokenhearted and oppressed. This includes those who have experienced the pain of divorce.

Pastoral Guidance and Support

Within Christian communities, pastoral guidance and support are crucial for individuals navigating the challenges of divorce.

James 1:5 (NKJV): “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

James encourages believers to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all situations, including marital difficulties and divorce. Pastors and spiritual leaders play a vital role in providing biblical counsel and support to individuals and families affected by divorce.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV): “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Christian community is called to support and uplift one another in times of hardship and struggle, including the aftermath of divorce. By bearing each other’s burdens, believers demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion.

Healing and Restoration

While divorce can be devastating, the Bible offers hope for healing, restoration, and new beginnings.

Psalm 147:3 (NKJV): “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

God is the ultimate healer of broken hearts and wounded spirits. Through prayer, faith, and community support, individuals can experience God’s healing and restoration after divorce.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV): “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'”

God’s plans for His people are plans for good, offering a future filled with hope and purpose, even after experiencing the pain of divorce. His grace is sufficient to bring beauty out of brokenness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible presents a clear perspective on divorce, emphasizing God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. While divorce is permitted in cases of sexual immorality, Scripture consistently portrays it as a departure from God’s plan. The seriousness of divorce and remarriage is underscored by Jesus’ teachings, which highlight the potential for adultery in remarriage scenarios.

However, God’s perspective on divorce also includes compassion, grace, and the offer of healing for those who have experienced its pain. The Christian community is called to provide support, guidance, and love to individuals affected by divorce, walking alongside them in their journey towards healing and restoration. Ultimately, God’s desire is for marriages to reflect His covenantal love and for individuals to experience His abundant grace and peace in every circumstance of life.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team