Divorce & What Jesus Said

Marriage and divorce are governed by the words of Jesus, not by our desire for comfort. In Matthew 19:6-9 He gives one ground for divorce — and warns against the clever arguments we use to escape the covenant.

Marriage and divorce are governed by the clear, unchanging words of Jesus, not by our desire for comfort. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus declares, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” He provides only one ground for divorce in Matthew 19:9: “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Life is undeniably difficult, and marriage is often a crucible, but difficulty does not change the mandate of Scripture. Because we seek to justify our own desires, we often run to Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 7:15 or the reality of death ending a covenant (Romans 7:2). However, people twist this to their own demise. “Peace” suddenly becomes a synonym for “I need my personal mental peace.” They convince themselves that because they fight too much or aren’t happy, divorce is the “holy” path to restoring their own tranquility. They heap up teachers who validate this, but clever arguments do not work on God. He is looking at the heart. People will inevitably cry out, “What if my partner is beating me and trying to kill me?” Again, we reach for extreme cases to win an argument and soothe a guilty conscience. God sees through the smokescreen. Are you seeking the protection of your life, or are you trying to justify sin? God observes the heart, and He knows the difference.

Scriptures Referenced (KJV)

4 key passages from the King James Version (KJV).

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Matthew 19:6 KJV Read Matthew chapter 19 →

“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

Matthew 19:9 KJV Read Matthew chapter 19 →

“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”

1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 7 →

“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”

Romans 7:2 KJV Read Romans chapter 7 →