It is heartbreaking to see the growing number of families being destroyed by divorce. What’s even more saddening is that the divorce rate among Christians is no different from that of non-Christians. Jesus said, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:6)
The Bible allows for divorce in two specific cases. The first is when a spouse commits adultery (Matthew 5:32), and the second is when an unbelieving spouse wants to separate because of the other’s faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 7:12–16). A person who divorces under these circumstances is a victim of divorce. For them, while divorce may be a heartbreaking experience, it is not a source of shame. The church should embrace and accept them. When assigning ministry roles, there is no need to treat a history of divorce as a disqualifier. Remarriage should also be freely permitted.
Besides adultery and abandonment due to faith, the Bible also alludes to other situations where divorce is allowed (1 Corinthians 7:10–11). Although these circumstances are not clearly defined, it is reasonable to consider situations in today’s world where a spouse creates a threatening environment through abuse or is addicted to gambling or drugs, thereby endangering the children’s well-being. In such cases, divorce may be permissible—but only if the person is prepared to remain single unless the former spouse remarries or passes away, making reconciliation impossible.
Those who commit adultery or initiate divorce without a biblical reason are the offenders. However, even offenders are not beyond forgiveness in Christ. True repentance, though, must come first. Genuine repentance involves three key evidence: Firstly, acknowledging that divorce was a sin, secondly, feeling sincere remorse toward the former spouse and taking responsibility for the consequences—such as paying alimony or child support, and lastly, making a firm resolution never to divorce again.
Word of the week
When doing church ministry and faced with a difficult decision, we must consider what benefits the church rather than what benefits us personally.
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이동주 2025.07.19 14:19
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It is heartbreaking to see the growing number of families being destroyed by divorce. What’s even more saddening is that the divorce rate among Christians is no different from that of non-Christians. Jesus said, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:6)
The Bible allows for divorce in two specific cases. The first is when a spouse commits adultery (Matthew 5:32), and the second is when an unbelieving spouse wants to separate because of the other’s faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 7:12–16). A person who divorces under these circumstances is a victim of divorce. For them, while divorce may be a heartbreaking experience, it is not a source of shame. The church should embrace and accept them. When assigning ministry roles, there is no need to treat a history of divorce as a disqualifier. Remarriage should also be freely permitted.
Besides adultery and abandonment due to faith, the Bible also alludes to other situations where divorce is allowed (1 Corinthians 7:10–11). Although these circumstances are not clearly defined, it is reasonable to consider situations in today’s world where a spouse creates a threatening environment through abuse or is addicted to gambling or drugs, thereby endangering the children’s well-being. In such cases, divorce may be permissible—but only if the person is prepared to remain single unless the former spouse remarries or passes away, making reconciliation impossible.
Those who commit adultery or initiate divorce without a biblical reason are the offenders. However, even offenders are not beyond forgiveness in Christ. True repentance, though, must come first. Genuine repentance involves three key evidence: Firstly, acknowledging that divorce was a sin, secondly, feeling sincere remorse toward the former spouse and taking responsibility for the consequences—such as paying alimony or child support, and lastly, making a firm resolution never to divorce again.
Word of the week
When doing church ministry and faced with a difficult decision, we must consider what benefits the church rather than what benefits us personally.