68: What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage

Brian Mayer talks about what the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage.   There is much debate on what Christians believe is appropriate about these two issues.  We will take some time to sort these issues out on today’s episode.  We hope you are inspired by what you hear today.  For more information and additional resources please visit our website at http://www.theremarriedlife.com Today's Goodies When it comes to Divorce and Remarriage and the Bible there are lots of thoughts about this issue.  I will certainly give my own interpretation and maybe some will disagree.  There are certainly reasons that God’s word says that divorce is acceptable.  Let’s talk about what the Bible says about when it is acceptable.  One issue that it becomes acceptable is found in Matthew 19:9 which says “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery."  This basically means that if adultery happens then it is acceptable.  However Jesus is a God of second chances and that he does promote reconciliation.  So that is what he would prefer if possible.  Abandonment by a spouse is another reason for the acceptable divorce.  According to the Bible, I Corinthians 7:15 say that “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” Of course these are what I will call escape clauses and if you feel the need to use them or have used them then you are in the clear so to speak.  However I also believe that God is a one of second chances.  So if you have decided that a divorce was needed due to other reasons, that God is a forgiving God.  Matthew 6: 14-15 says “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” This means that even if your spouse has done something to warrant a divorce, that if you can forgive them for this, that he will also forgive you.  Ultimately because Jesus was sent to earth and died for our sins, that ultimately we will be forgiven for what we have done.  And if we can forgive our spouse for what they have done that we will can more forward it whatever path we chose to.  Remember that some reasons for divorce are acceptable but that ultimately reconciliation and forgiveness is even more important.   Overall here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your feelings of divorce and remarriage When reading the word of God, do not take specific passages in isolation but think about the Bible as a whole.  A lot of times we will pick passages that fit our line of thinking but we don’t look at things in context.  When others give you their perspective according to the what they believe the Bible says, go check it out for yourself.  I would even say this about things you hear from your pastors or other theologians.  Pray about it and then do a lot of listening to God.  Often we talk, talk, talk to God and give him a laundry list of items that we need or want rather than just listening to what he says about divorce and remarriage.  Finally remember that our God is a God of Second Chances.  Jesus said so often that while he did not come to abolish the law, that he came to fulfill it.  What does this mean?  It means that while those laws are still there and that we should do our best to follow and obey them, that when we do not that we have a Saviour in Jesus that will forgive us.  As a result we do not have to go backward, or do several things to attone for what happened.  Take care and know that you are forgiven for what happened.     Resources: None Mentioned. Thanks For Listening! With so many things that take time in our lives, I more grateful than you know that you took time to listen to this podcast episode.  If you liked this episode and believe that it would be beneficial to a friend, family member, or colleague, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. The Remarried Life Facebook Group is a community of people just like you who get and give support.  Please join today!  ​ As always remember that marriage is not something you have, it is something you do.  Talk to you next week unless you are binge listening in the future in which case I will talk to you in about a minute!  Take care.