Do you know God’s laws on marriage and divorce?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
628
220
43
#1
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT
MARRIAGE:

—Genesis 2:24 - “A man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.”
—Matthew 19:4-6 - “…What God has joined together, let not man separate.”
—Hebrews 13:4 - “Marriage is honorable…but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
—Roman’s 7:2-3 - A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law; so if while her husband lives, she marries another man, she shall be called an adulterous. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law so that she is no adulterous though she has married another man.”
Conclusion:: marriage is for life. Be careful who you marry.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DIVORCE:

—MATTHEW 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 - “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
—1 Cor. 7:10 - “…a wife is not to depart from her husband but if she departs let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”

Conclusion: There is only 1 scriptural reason for divorce and that is sexual immorality.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#3
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT
MARRIAGE:

—Genesis 2:24 - “A man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.”
—Matthew 19:4-6 - “…What God has joined together, let not man separate.”
—Hebrews 13:4 - “Marriage is honorable…but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
—Roman’s 7:2-3 - A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law; so if while her husband lives, she marries another man, she shall be called an adulterous. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law so that she is no adulterous though she has married another man.”
Conclusion:: marriage is for life. Be careful who you marry.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT DIVORCE:

—MATTHEW 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 - “Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
—1 Cor. 7:10 - “…a wife is not to depart from her husband but if she departs let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”

Conclusion: There is only 1 scriptural reason for divorce and that is sexual immorality.
I agree that marital infidelity is scriptual grounds for a divorce but there are other grounds as well, especially verbal and physical abuse. And also what @NightTwister stated - lack of financial support such as a husband who refuses to work to support his family and neglects them otherwise as well, in other words, abandonment.
 

NightTwister

Well-known member
Jul 5, 2023
2,106
793
113
65
Colorado, USA
#4
I agree that marital infidelity is scriptual grounds for a divorce but there are other grounds as well, especially verbal and physical abuse. And also what @NightTwister stated - lack of financial support such as a husband who refuses to work to support his family and neglects them otherwise as well, in other words, abandonment.
Abandonment can take on many forms, both from the husband and the wife, including abuse.
 

Tall_Timbers

Well-known member
Mar 31, 2023
1,151
1,243
113
68
Cheyenne WY
christiancommunityforum.com
#5
I agree that marital infidelity is scriptual grounds for a divorce but there are other grounds as well, especially verbal and physical abuse. And also what @NightTwister stated - lack of financial support such as a husband who refuses to work to support his family and neglects them otherwise as well, in other words, abandonment.
I've not found Scriptural support for the claims you're making.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,163
2,178
113
#6
Hardheartedness is at the core of the issue. Callousness is heartlessness, insensitivity, and its antonyms are compassion, sympathy, empathy, and sensitivity. If you can't understand why your spouse isn't as happy as you think they should be, then I'd say that selfishness is likely a factor somewhere within the relationship. Of course, one or the other has to possess the humility to admit that, however, and so that's where the complication enters. Very few are willing to accept their personal responsibility but are quick to address the failure to uphold the other's end of the venture. That is, the most common complaint is, "I've been nothing but wonderful and this is the thanks I get."
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#7
I've not found Scriptural support for the claims you're making.
Something in Proverbs about a man shirking his duty to support his family. Many passages in the New Testament about the husband should love his wife.

Not showing love by cheating on her, neglecting her emotionally, not working (if able) to provide financial support, etc.

I would not expect any woman to stay in a loveless marriage, especially being battered physically and verbally, and also having a husband who is a drunkard and dope addict.

If that is not biblical than I really don't know what is. My counsel is to get out of such a marriage, and if there is guilt afterward, then just tell God you're sorry and start moving forward in your life in a positive direction.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,361
6,660
113
62
#9
Something in Proverbs about a man shirking his duty to support his family. Many passages in the New Testament about the husband should love his wife.

Not showing love by cheating on her, neglecting her emotionally, not working (if able) to provide financial support, etc.

I would not expect any woman to stay in a loveless marriage, especially being battered physically and verbally, and also having a husband who is a drunkard and dope addict.

If that is not biblical than I really don't know what is. My counsel is to get out of such a marriage, and if there is guilt afterward, then just tell God you're sorry and start moving forward in your life in a positive direction.
No one is saying that women and children should remain in harmful or dangerous situations. What TT said was that he doesn't find biblical evidence in the Bible allowing divorce for such cause. I agree. But I would never want women and children to remain in an environment of harm or danger.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#10
No one is saying that women and children should remain in harmful or dangerous situations. What TT said was that he doesn't find biblical evidence in the Bible allowing divorce for such cause. I agree. But I would never want women and children to remain in an environment of harm or danger.
If God does not expect the same in these circumstances, then there must a scriptural solution that promotes safety, and well-being for such a battered wife. I totally agree with your last sentence.
 

NightTwister

Well-known member
Jul 5, 2023
2,106
793
113
65
Colorado, USA
#11
No one is saying that women and children should remain in harmful or dangerous situations. What TT said was that he doesn't find biblical evidence in the Bible allowing divorce for such cause. I agree. But I would never want women and children to remain in an environment of harm or danger.
Without diving too deep into this, there are complications from remaining married to a serial abuser.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,361
6,660
113
62
#12
If God does not expect the same in these circumstances, then there must a scriptural solution that promotes safety, and well-being for such a battered wife. I totally agree with your last sentence.
If there is a biblical allowance, show it to me.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,361
6,660
113
62
#13
Without diving too deep into this, there are complications from remaining married to a serial abuser.
A woman can leave and get custody of the kids. If there is abuse, there is a record. It can be used in court.
I don't expect anyone to be left in a harmful or dangerous environment. If there is allowance of divorce for abuse biblically, I'm open to it. Just show it from scripture.
 

ImLova

Active member
Aug 7, 2024
222
174
43
#14
My mom tryed to stay in her marriage. She was abused by my dad. When I was 2 she died of a overdose. I was left alone with my dad who was looking more after drugs than take care of me. Im happy i came to a fosterfamilj who loves me.
I believe if my mom had devorce she would not neet to take an overdose to die
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#15
If there is a biblical allowance, show it to me.
I will do this, but it might take a little time to fit into my busy schedule. I just thank God that I am happily married to a wonderful, spiritual woman.

I feel bad about knowing that there are many battered wives in horrible marriages. If given the chance to offer counsel I would say the same things that I posted. If counsel is not aligned with God's will and desire, then He can charge that to my account. In the meantime, I would do my best to grow more spiritually in what to say in such circumstances.
 

NightTwister

Well-known member
Jul 5, 2023
2,106
793
113
65
Colorado, USA
#16
A woman can leave and get custody of the kids. If there is abuse, there is a record. It can be used in court.
I don't expect anyone to be left in a harmful or dangerous environment. If there is allowance of divorce for abuse biblically, I'm open to it. Just show it from scripture.
I already gave the verses above. I Cor 7:10-16. We don't have to agree on what's included and what's not. I believe it's in there.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#17
My mom tryed to stay in her marriage. She was abused by my dad. When I was 2 she died of a overdose. I was left alone with my dad who was looking more after drugs than take care of me. Im happy i came to a fosterfamilj who loves me.
I believe if my mom had devorce she would not neet to take an overdose to die
So sad to hear about your mother and neglectful father. I believe that you are correct in what your feelings are regarding bad marriages. Happy to hear though that you are now in a loving family. God Bless You.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,361
6,660
113
62
#18
I will do this, but it might take a little time to fit into my busy schedule. I just thank God that I am happily married to a wonderful, spiritual woman.

I feel bad about knowing that there are many battered wives in horrible marriages. If given the chance to offer counsel I would say the same things that I posted. If counsel is not aligned with God's will and desire, then He can charge that to my account. In the meantime, I would do my best to grow more spiritually in what to say in such circumstances.
I share your sentiment. I'm sure we have all met or know people who have suffered abuse.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,598
17,062
113
69
Tennessee
#19
I already gave the verses above. I Cor 7:10-16. We don't have to agree on what's included and what's not. I believe it's in there.
In the whole context of the Word of God, it is probably there, somewhere. God does provide wisdom for those that seek guidance for the situations that are pressed upon their hearts with a desire to help hurting souls.