THE BIBLICAL GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

Happily, in must Christian marriages, any problems that arise can be handled. Sometimes, though, this is not the case. Because humans are imperfect and live in a sinful world that is under the control of Satan, some marriages do reach the breaking point. (1 John 5:19)  How should Christian deal with such a trying situation?  

As mentioned in Chapter 2 of this book, fornication/adultery is the only ground for divorce with the possibility of remarriage.  (Matthew  19:9)   (Note: According to the Bible/God's word, the only way to get a divorce is by your spouse cheating on you by sleeping around. To get permission from God to remarry is if the spouse passes on in death. But to keep from hopping from person to person sexually, you need to be married. It is best to be married than to be in lust, therefore only fornication by a spouse will give one the best excuse/permission to remarry.)  If you have definite proof that your marriage mate has been unfaithful, then you face a difficult decision. Will you continue the marriage or get a divorce?  There are no rules.  Some Christians have completely forgiven  a genuinely repentant partner, and the preserved marriage has turned out well.  (to me, it gives them full leeway to go back and do it again, if you forgive some of them. Be wise in your decision  in this regard)  Others have decided against divorce for the sake of the children.  (This can also prove, a bad decision, especially if the spouse  breaks their promise to behave. Sometimes they lie and this could be very hard to explain to a child where their parent is, when they are normally home. It can also confuse them.  Again, think very hard on this decision. I believe there is one other reason to get divorced, and that is if one spouse is being physically and mentally abused. God does not want any spouse to be mistreated in any way, and this would include physical and mental abuse by one or the other spouse. ) 

On the other hand, the sinful act may have resulted in pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease.  Or perhaps the children need to be protected from a sexually abusive parent. Clearly, there is much to consider before making  a decision. If, however, you learn of the infidelity of your marriage. Grounds for divorce with the Scriptural possibility of remarriage no longer exist.  No one should be a busybody and try to influence your decision, nor should any one criticize your decision when you make it. You will have to live with the consequences of what you decide.  "Each one will carry his own load." -Galatians 6:5. 

Next time: GROUNDS FOR SEPARATION

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996