Divorce touches nearly every church, family, and friendship circle. Whether through personal experience or walking alongside someone else, the pain of a broken marriage is something many have felt. As followers of Jesus, it’s important that we understand what the Bible teaches about divorce—and just as importantly—what it teaches about grace.
Let’s explore God’s heart for marriage, His words about divorce, and the hope He offers for every story.
God’s Design for Marriage
From the beginning, God designed marriage to be a covenant between one man and one woman—a sacred, lifelong union.
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
— Genesis 2:24
Jesus affirms this in the Gospels:
“What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
— Matthew 19:6
Marriage is more than a contract; it’s a holy covenant. It reflects the love, faithfulness, and unity God wants to share with His people. But we live in a fallen world. Marriages struggle. People fail. And sometimes, that covenant breaks.
What Did Jesus Say About Divorce?
Jesus addressed divorce directly, and His words are challenging:
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
— Luke 16:18
That sounds absolute—but in other passages, Jesus allows for one clear exception:
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
— Matthew 19:9
The Greek word used here (porneia) includes adultery and other forms of sexual betrayal. Jesus teaches that this kind of unfaithfulness breaks the marriage covenant and allows for divorce.
What Did Paul Say About Divorce?
In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul adds another scenario: abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
“But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:15
This has become known as the “abandonment clause.” In situations where a non-believing spouse walks away from the marriage, Paul says the believer is not bound.
What About Remarriage?
Jesus’ strong words about remarriage—especially when it follows a divorce without biblical grounds—should be taken seriously. However, the context matters. If a divorce was biblically permitted (due to adultery or abandonment), many believe remarriage can be entered into with a clear conscience.
Others hold to a stricter view, encouraging celibacy after divorce unless reconciliation is possible.
In either case, God calls us to honor marriage and seek His wisdom, counsel, and peace before entering into a new covenant.
Does God Forgive Divorce?
Yes. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin.
Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery and offered her a new path:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
— John 8:11
The gospel is for the brokenhearted, the bruised, the ashamed, and the divorced. If you’ve walked through divorce—whether biblical or not—there is healing, restoration, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9
How Should We Respond?
As believers, we are called to uphold the beauty and sacredness of marriage, to walk in truth, and to extend grace.
If you are married:
- Protect your covenant.
- Pursue humility, communication, and forgiveness.
- Invite God into the center of your relationship.
If you are divorced:
- Bring your pain and story to Jesus.
- Seek godly counsel and healing.
- Know that you are not disqualified from God’s love or His purpose.
If you’re walking with someone through a divorce:
- Be a voice of compassion, not condemnation.
- Remind them that God sees, loves, and restores.
In Every Story, There Is Hope
Marriage is precious to God. Divorce is painful. But grace runs deeper. The Church must hold both truth and compassion together. We need to be people who cherish marriage, stand for righteousness, and extend the mercy and healing of Jesus to those who are hurting.
No matter your past, your story isn’t over.
There is grace for today and hope for tomorrow.
