The Bible mentions divorce several times in both the Old and New Testaments, and it is clear that God hates divorce. Marriage is intended to be a lifetime commitment, and Gods desire is for couples to remain together. However, the Bible recognizes that marriages involve two sinful human beings and that divorces are going to occur.
Here are some key verses from the Bible about divorce:
- Matthew 5:32: "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
- Matthew 19:6: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
- 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: "To the married I give this command—not I but the Lord—that the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife."
While the Bible does not approve of divorce, it does allow for it in cases of sexual immorality. Some also claim that abuse (spousal or child) is a valid reason for divorce, even though it is not explicitly listed in the Bible. However, it is never wise to presume upon the Word of God, and in cases of abuse, a separation is definitely in order and should occur immediately.