Marriage According To The Bible
The Bible offers a unique perspective on marriage and divorce. In the Old Testament, marriage was primarily used to bring stability and security to a family unit by legally recognizing the husband as the head of the household. Most marriages among God’s people were covenant relationships and were based on the law of Moses. The law included provisions about breaking a marriage covenant and taking another spouse. In the New Testament, Jesus raised the standard for marriage, teaching that marriage is a spiritual union between a man and a woman that forms an indivisible bond.
In the Bible, marriage is seen as a union between a man and a woman that is meant to reflect the unbreaking covenant God made with His people. Jesus taught this when He said, ““God made them male and female. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and the two are united into one” (Mathew 19:5,6). In other words, when two people come together and marry, they are reflecting God’s covenant with His people in a very special way, and the relationship should be sealed and unbroken until the death of one of the spouses.
God’s intention is that marriage be an unbreakable commitment-a permanent bond between two individuals-and that the union should be respected, honored, and enjoyed. God says, “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mathew 19:4-6).
Divorce According To The Bible
The Bible does not directly address divorce, but it does provide guidance on how to handle it. In the Old Testament, divorce is set forth as a permissible option for husbands and wives in instances where the marriage covenant has been broken due to sin or incompatibility. However, the husband and wife were still encouraged to work together to make their marriage work. In the New Testament, Jesus taught that divorce should only be used as a last resort and should not be entered into lightly. Jesus said, “Anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (Mathew 19:9).
The Bible teaches that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment of unconditional love between two people and also teaches that, when this commitment is broken, it grieves the heart of God. Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mathew 19:6). Therefore, for those who are married, it is important that they seek to honor and celebrate the commitment God has created between them. Those who have experienced a divorce may find solace in knowing that there is still grace and forgiveness from God even in the midst of a broken heart.
The Role Of The Church in Marriage and Divorce
The church has a unique role to play in supporting, encouraging, and strengthening marriages. The Bible is clear that the church is to be a loving environment where couples can find support and encouragement to pursue godly marriages. The church should also be a place where couples can find guidance and insight if they experience difficulties in their relationship. Additionally, the church should be a place that honors those who have suffered a divorce, comforting them in their pain and offering loving support and godly counsel.
The church should offer Christ-centered counseling and guidance to both married couples and those considering a divorce. Church leaders should be trained on the biblical principles of marriage and divorce in order to provide practical guidance for couples facing difficult situations. The goal is to ensure that couples receive wise and Scripture-based counsel in a loving and supportive environment.
Confronting Culture’s Idea Of Marriage
In today’s culture, marriage has been devalued, seen as an outdated and antiquated institution with no real relevance in modern life. In contrast, the Bible teaches that marriage is both a divine gift from God and a picture of His love for His people that should be treasured and honored. The culture’s portrayal of marriage as nothing more than a legal contract or an arrangement for companionship should be rejected and replaced with a biblical understanding of marriage as a holy covenant relationship that is glorifying to God.
The culture’s viewpoint on divorce is also skewed. Divorce is too often seen as an easy way out of a difficult situation. In reality, as the Bible teaches, divorce should be a last resort. Couples should exhaust all efforts to make their marriage work before seeking out a divorce. Divorce is a difficult, painful situation with lasting consequences, both physical and emotional. When divorce is deemed necessary, however, couples are encouraged to remember that they are still part of God’s family and can still receive His grace and mercy on their journey.
The Impact of Faith On Marriage and Divorce
The Bible shows us that, when couples embrace and practice their faith, they are blessed with strength and wisdom to make wise decisions in their lives. As James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” When couples are infused with this wisdom, they are better equipped to make their marriages a Christ-centered partnership. Additionally, faith helps couples stand strong in the tough times and can help them resolve conflicts and work through their differences.
Faith can also be an anchor for those who experience a divorce. In times of distress, individuals can find peace and comfort in God’s Word and in the community of faith. Even though divorce can be a difficult and painful process, those who have trust in God know that He is with them through their struggles. As the Bible says, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The Emotional Aspects Of Marriage and Divorce
The emotional aspects of marriage and divorce should not be overlooked. When couples pursue a marriage, their faith and commitment to each other should not be the only things that motivate them. An emotional connection is equally important and can be as strong and binding as any spiritual or legal agreement. When couples open their hearts to each other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable and share their struggles and joys, they form a deep and lasting bond that cannot be broken.
Divorce can also become an emotionally-charged and damaging experience if it is not inhibited by faith and wisdom. Divorce can take a toll on those who experience it, leaving them feeling hurt, resentful, and even fearful. It is important to remember, however, that God is with us even in our darkest valleys, and that He can redeem even the most difficult experiences. And through it all, His faithfulness remains. As Psalm 61:5-6 says, “For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life, his years as many generations.”
Healthy Communication And Conflict Resolution
An important part of any marriage is healthy communication. Communication is an essential part of any marriage and is an essential tool for building intimacy, managing conflict, and resolving issues. Marriage requires couples to be open and honest with each other, and couples should strive to always listen to each other with respect and empathy. The Bible encourages couples to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), emphasizing the importance of communicating thoughts and feelings in a loving, caring, and gentle manner.
Additionally, couples should learn how to effectively manage and resolve conflict when it arises. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, and couples must be able to handle it in a way that is respectful and fair. Couples should take the time to listen to each other’s perspectives and feelings and should strive to always seek win-win solutions. The Bible reminds us that, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25).
The Call To Love And Serve
The Bible calls all believers in Christ to not only be faithful in their marriages but also to love unconditionally and serve selflessly. This call applies to everyone, whether they are single, married, divorced, or widowed. All believers are called to love God first, and to love their neighbors as themselves. The Bible teaches us that, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
God desires that His children learn to show the same love to each other that He has shown them. The love Christ shows us is unconditional and sacrificial, and He calls His followers to offer the same kind of love to their neighbors. Through serving others and demonstrating love, we can reflect a glimpse of the love of God to the world around us.
Forgiveness And Grace
The Bible also teaches us the importance of forgiveness and grace. When couples are struggling in their marriage, they should offer kindness and forgiveness to each other. As Jesus taught us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Even in the midst of difficult situations, we should strive to forgive and show grace to one another.
Divorce can be a painful and difficult experience, and those who experience it should not blame themselves or be burdened with guilt. God offers grace and forgiveness to all those who seek Him, no matter the situation. Divorce does not need to be a barrier to experiencing the grace of God. As the Bible teaches us, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20).
