God Hates Divorce
Divorce is not in God’s perfect plan for humanity. The Bible declares, “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” (Malachi 2:16). The Lord never intends for a couple to separate once they are married (Matthew 19:8).
The only reason for which divorce is permitted is adultery. Jesus taught, “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” (Matthew 19:9).
Under the law of Moses, the punishment for marital unfaithfulness was death (Leviticus 20:10), not divorce. In addition, under the law of Moses, the death punishment was obligatory, whereas under the law of Christ divorce is not obligatory, but permissible. From Christ’s instructions, we can conclude that the innocent party is free to choose whether the marriage relationship shall be continued. Reconciliation is always the perfect goal, especially if there are children in the family.
Divorce cannot be honored or recognized in heaven. The Lord teaches that when a couple get married they should remain together and not separate. “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). All who enter upon the marriage relationship are therefore “joined” for life according to the original plan of the Creator (Genesis 2:24).
Marital problems may arise between spouses. In an effort to find solutions, unfortunately, couples often resort to temporary separations. But instead of reaching the desired goals, they drift farther apart, eventually leading to divorce. For this reason, we need to heed the Scripture warning in 1 Corinthians 7:10–11, “A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else go back to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.” In cases of separation, the rejected or separated wife should not marry another person, but should seek reconciliation with her husband.
Some make the case for physical abuse being a valid reason for divorce. In such cases, logic would follow that separation from the abuser is necessary until solutions has been provided for all parties. At this point, Christian counseling, prayer, and therapy should be able to help restore and heal the marriage.
The Blessing of Marriage
The marriage relationship was instituted and sanctified by God at the creation. The Lord said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him… Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:18-25). The unity of husband and wife is shown in clear words, as a unity of bodies, interests, and affections.
Marriage was ordained to bring great happiness, and the home to be a little heaven on earth. Solomon the wisest man advised married people saying, “Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil” (Ecclesiastes 9:9).
Marriage should be a blessing to mankind (Proverbs 5:18, 19; 18:22). To achieve this goal, the Lord promised to give complete restoration for the troubled ones that seek His healing power. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
