Matthew 5:31-32

Matthew 5:31-32 (ESV): “31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Marriage is a gift from God. According to the Bible, it is between a biological man and a biological woman for life (Gen. 1:27; 2:24). We are to yoke ourselves in this covenant relationship before God—until death do us part. These are God’s intentions for marriage.

Jesus addresses a cultural misnomer in Israel regarding divorce. In that culture, men were divorcing their wives frequently. Divorce is not a work of God; it is a work of man. When asked why Moses permitted divorce, Jesus said it was because of the hardness of man’s heart (Matt. 19:8). Notice—it was permitted, not commanded. Divorce does not void the marriage covenant in God’s eyes; therefore, a person who divorces outside of adultery (and abandonment, 1 Cor. 7) commits adultery by remarrying. It is a covenant before God that is meant for life.

What if I divorced for unbiblical reasons and now I am remarried? What should I do? First, there is forgiveness available for you. You should repent for breaking your covenant with God and your spouse—God will forgive you. Then, be fully committed to your current spouse for the rest of your life and become the best spouse you can be. That is what God would have you do. Amen?

Marriage is a beautiful picture of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32). May we honor it as He instituted it.

Father, we thank You for the covenant of marriage. We ask that You would keep our hearts committed to one another and do the work of making us one. May we walk in grace and forgiveness toward one another, just as You have shown to us. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.