The Bible teaches that marriage is intended to be permanent, but Jesus allows for putting away a wife (divorce) specifically for "sexual immorality" (porneia), otherwise, the one who divorces and remarries commits adultery. While Moses permitted divorce for "hardness of heart," Jesus emphasizes God's original intent for lifelong union, warning against easy dismissal and remarriage, though some interpretations allow for separation in cases of severe issues like abuse, citing other scriptures.
If you have your Bible open, read again verse 9. Whosoever shall put away his wife, that is divorce her, accept it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery. And whoso marrieth her which is put away, doth commit adultery.
For some strange reason, many English translations of Matthew 5:32 say: “Whoever puts away his wife, apart from a matter of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries her that is divorced commits adultery.”
Not only is “Thou shalt not commit adultery” one of the “Big Ten” Commandments (Exodus 20:14), but Jesus also addresses sexual sin directly: “I tell you that anyone who divorces … except for sexual immorality … commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9).
Top 5 Reasons Men Divorce Explained
1. Lack of Honesty. Often when we think of honesty, notably honesty in marital relationships, we think of a very tangible “where were you last night” kind of honesty. While this is obviously critically important, there are many other kinds of dishonesty that can destroy marriages.
The 777 rule for marriage is a relationship guideline to keep couples connected by scheduling specific, regular quality time: a date night every 7 days, a night away (getaway) every 7 weeks, and a romantic holiday every 7 months, often without kids, to foster intimacy, reduce stress, and prevent routine from overtaking the relationship. It's about consistent, intentional efforts to prioritize the partnership.
No man can abandon his wife and still thrive spiritually. “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).
Women initiate the majority of divorces, with studies showing they file in around 70% of cases, a rate that increases to about 90% for college-educated women, according to research from the American Sociological Association (ASA). This trend highlights that women often bear the emotional burden, experience unmet needs, and have greater financial independence, making them more likely to seek divorce when dissatisfied with the relationship.
God designed marriage to last for life, a strong commitment that reflects God's master design. His will for you is to stay married unless there is ongoing and unrepentant abuse or infidelity. You must renew your commitment to your spouse, even if you feel that you have an unhappy marriage.
First, marriage as a covenant means a lifetime commitment to each other. Scripture gives no place for second-guessing this decision or reversing our promises. Marriage dissolves only when one partner dies or if one partner sinfully rejects his or her vows in some severe way.
[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. [10] His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
For fault-based divorces, abandonment is a valid ground for ending your marriage, but you'll need to prove the following (through documentation and testimonials), according to Yang: Duration: The spouse must be absent for a certain period of time. For no-fault divorce states, you don't have to prove this point, though.
It's time to leave a relationship when trust, respect, and emotional safety are repeatedly compromised. If staying is causing emotional exhaustion, anxiety, or a loss of self-worth, the relationship is no longer serving you. 🚩 Key Signs It's Time to Walk Away: You don't feel emotionally or physically safe.
This article explores the three commonly accepted biblical grounds for divorce—adultery, abandonment, and abuse—and their relevance today.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 says “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.” Separation, my friend is never an ideal situation, but because of sin, it is sometimes necessary.
Lack of commitment is the most common reason given by divorcing couples according to a recent national survey. Here are the reasons given and their percentages: Lack of commitment 73% Argue too much 56%
The 80/80 Marriage pushes couples beyond the limited idea of “fairness” toward a new model grounded on radical generosity and shared success, one that calls for each partner to contribute 80 percent to build the strongest possible relationship.
Grey divorce is the dissolution of marriage among couples aged 50 and older. Over the years, many older adults have started prioritizing personal happiness and emotional well-being over remaining in unfulfilling marriages.
The four behaviors that predict over 90% of divorces, known as Dr. John Gottman's "Four Horsemen," are Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, which erode connection, respect, and safety, leading to relationship breakdown. These destructive communication patterns, if persistent, signal that a marriage is likely to end, with contempt being the most damaging.
In cases where a believer obtained a divorce on unbiblical grounds and remarried, he or she is guilty of the sin of adultery until that sin is confessed (Mark 10:11-12). God does forgive that sin immediately when repentance takes place, and there is nothing in Scripture to indicate anything other than that.
The 2-2-2 rule for marriage is a guideline to keep a relationship strong and connected: have a date night every two weeks, a weekend getaway every two months, and a week-long vacation every two years. This system encourages regular, intentional quality time, breaks from routine, and deeper connection by ensuring couples prioritize each other amidst daily life, work, and family, preventing stagnation and fostering fun.
Follow the four golden rules – don't lie, keep your promises, argue productively and always play nice – and your relationship will never go anywhere but forward.