Permanently Attachment

“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”  
Matthew 5:32 (NIV)

In today’s popular culture, this is perhaps one of the most unpopular statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 5:32, Jesus says, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Why does Jesus say this? The reason goes all the way back to the beginning with the very first marriage. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 NIV) The word “united” is a word that signifies a firm, permanent attachment. We would say today you are “glued” together. 

In other words, when you get married, God says you are stuck with each other because He is the one that stuck you together. 

So what are legitimate reasons for divorce? Jesus says the only reason for divorce is for “sexual immorality.” The word Jesus uses is “porneia” which gives us the word “pornography.” The word refers to any illicit sexual experience outside of the sexual expression of one woman with one man, who are married to each other.

It is important to note that separation may be necessary– for example an abusive situation is unsafe and requires boundaries. But Jesus is challenging you to honor the covenant of marriage, despite challenging circumstances that aren’t unsafe or harmful.

The covenant of marriage is meant to be a reflection of God’s safe and everlasting committment to you. The verse in Ephesians 5:25 explains it this way: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her”. In other words, marriage is meant to reflect the sacrificial love God has toward you. Let His example shape your perspective of remaining faithful and permanently attached. 

In fact, Jesus is so serious about the importance of staying faithful in marriage that He says that incompatibility, financial pressure, personality traits, or unpleasant habits are not reasons for divorce. Maybe you need to hear this today: The God who brought you together and bound you together, even in the most difficult of circumstances, can also build you back together.

Perhaps you need encouragement today in your marriage or regarding a divorce. You may be single, yet impacted by divorce. Let God’s heart for marriage shape your attitude toward marriage. Allow the God Who designed the covenant of marriage to bring healing and help you remain faithful to Him.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of marital covenant–for at its best, it is a stable foundation for family and community and a picture of Jesus Christ and the Church. Help me remain faithful to You despite any challenges I face regarding marriage. I know that the impact of divorce reaches far and lasts long. God help me honor Your definition of marriage and stay faithful to You and the people closest to me. Where I have challenges, help me see others through Your perspective and have grace for myself and them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.