What are Biblical grounds for divorce?
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Melissa Alaniz
What if the husband is abusive and has denounced God twice in our home?
Thomas Schrum
"Unequally yoked" might be a term for the relationship. Jesus speaks to un- faithfulness as a grounds for divorce and criticized an edict from Moses to allow other reasons. Paul writes in Corinthians and elsewhere what the true behaviors and attributes are for husbands & wives. Cannot speak for others, but I just don't picture Jesus saying stick it out and pray for better results. If counseling and other interventions or requests have been made...a time of separation may be needed before deciding further steps. Not long ago Focus on the Family retold the Prodigal Son story where we see the father welcoming the wayward son back but we often forget the father did not plead for the son to stay. It highlights consequences to all actions. You must do the same with a spouse who is unresponsive to your pleas. The Godly standard for marriage Jesus was referring to makes abusive marriages un-Godly...hope that helps.
Terry Gillard
There is a world of difference between separating - even divorcing for some perceived necessary reason, and re-marrying: That is a different question entirely.
Thomas Schrum
Moses gave men an open door to craft a document for divorce. Some of which is listed in Leviticus. But Jesus in Matthew 19 comments to that when religious leaders question Him. Basically Jesus says only for sexual impurity or in essence, unfaithfulness, will divorce be allowed. Society has moved far beyond that.....tkschrum
Alice Yornas
What if the man is unrepentant and has gone ahead to marry a second wife? How can one forgive in such circumstances?
Thomas Schrum
Alice, Jesus in Matthew 6:15 stresses if we cannot forgive others of their sin, your Father will not forgive your sins. Of course He goes on to mention forgiveness many times including a response to Peter that forgiveness is 7 times 70. As a pastor and counselor your plight is (unfortunately) not a rare today. My prayer is that you can find a way to do this. I hate to sound corny but in the words of Don Henley (of the band Eagles)..."I'm trying to get down to the heart of the matter but my will gets weak and my thoughts start to scatter but I think it's about forgiveness, forgiveness, even if you don't love me anymore." It is, you know, the only way, to move on, ask the Lord for strength and courage.......PK
Terry Gillard
Worth noting that forgiveness requires repentance.
If someone is unrepentant, and so will not accept forgiveness, then the fault must stand.
When the Son of God said, "Do not hold this sin against them" from the cross, I believe, there was something so much deeper, - a moment of glorious, wonderful grace, - in play.
Jack Gutknecht
I believe in "0" grounds for divorce. My wife and I have been married for 34 happy years, too!