Divorce

In the issue of divorce, I do not believe it is good or right. However, there are situations in which can warrant a divorce.

Matthew 5:31-32: "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 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."

Also in Matthew 19:3-9, Christ answers the Pharisees in the same way, explaining further that Moses allowed divorce because of their hardened hearts.

Notice how Christ never says that you must or should get divorced if there is sexual immorality, but he says that this is the only situation where a divorce wouldn't make her commit adultery.

There is also another situation in which divorce would be a valid option, and that is if physical abuse is involved. Why does Christ not address this? Well first of all, women could not divorce their husbands in this era, only men could divorce women. Women had little, if any, rights. Christ was also addressing men, who would most likely be the ones responsible for physical abuse, if any was invovled. Lastly, the questioning of the Pharisees was to test Christ, not really obtain an answer about divorce. Christ responds, alluding to the hardness of their ancestor's hearts and how it parallels to the hardness of their hearts involving their relationship with him.

So plainly, divorce should be avoided and isn't necessary in situations of sexual immorality. Some long and difficult counseling and forgiveness will need to take place, but marriage is a highly valued relationship in God's eyes. There is no other human relationship mentioned in the bible where two people become "one flesh." The only other instance in which divorce would be an option is physical abuse. We may be one flesh in marriage, but God brings together two complete individuals. We are still recognized as separate individual souls and beings. No one should risk their life in vain for the ignorance and carelessness of their partner. Although, even something as horrible as physical abuse can be forgiven and worked through if the offender is willing to make the effort and recognize the problem seriously.