Scripture reveals that God hates divorce and intends marriage to be a lifelong, covenant commitment between one man and one woman.
Scripture on Divorce
Malachi 2:16
Old Testament
"'I hate divorce,' says the Lord God of Israel."
Matthew 19:6
New Testament
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
New Testament
"To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
Mark 10:11-12
New Testament
"He said to them, 'Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.'"
Ephesians 5:31
New Testament
"'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.'"
The Bottom Line
Marriage is sacred to God, and divorce is never His ideal, but rather a painful concession to human sin and hardness of heart.
Try Today
Pray for any struggling marriages in your life, and consider how you can support and encourage healthy, God-honoring marriages.
Prayer
As Jesus said, 'Let us pray...' (Matthew 26:41)
Heavenly Father, we come to You acknowledging the deep pain that divorce can bring. Your Word makes clear that You hate divorce, for You created marriage to be a lifelong, sacred covenant. Forgive us for the ways we have fallen short of Your perfect design. Give us hearts that cherish marriage and seek reconciliation. Give strength and hope to any struggling marriages. May our lives and relationships bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Ephesians 5 to explore God's vision for marriage and how it reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.
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