Spousal abandonment is a painful experience, but the Bible offers guidance for those facing it. Today, we’ll see what Scripture teaches about enduring hardship in marriage and finding hope in God’s promises.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Unborn
What Does The Bible Say About Spousal Abandonment
1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.
This verse addresses the situation of spousal abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. It acknowledges that if the unbeliever chooses to leave the marriage, the believer is not bound to that marriage. God desires for His children to live in peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Matthew 5:32
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.
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and the impact it has on both parties involved. It states that divorce should only occur in cases of sexual immorality. Divorcing without valid biblical reasons can lead to further pain and sin.
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”
God’s view on divorce is clearly expressed in this verse. He hates divorce because it causes great harm and pain. It reminds husbands to guard their hearts and remain faithful to their wives, honoring the sacred covenant of marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
This verse emphasizes the importance of commitment and reconciliation within marriage. It advises against separation and promotes unity between the husband and wife. Divorce should not be the first resort but rather a last option after exhausting all possibilities of reconciliation.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Marriage is a sacred institution to be honored and valued. It reminds us to keep the marriage bed pure, free from any form of sexual immorality or infidelity. God, who is just, will judge those who commit adultery or engage in any form of sexual immorality.
1 Peter 3:1-2
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
This verse encourages wives to practice submission in their marriages, even in difficult situations. It highlights the powerful impact of a godly wife’s behavior and character in winning over her husband to faith. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and reverence that reflects Christ’s love.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and peace within a marriage. It encourages humility, gentleness, patience, and love towards one another. These qualities contribute to a healthy and lasting relationship.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This famous passage describes the characteristics of genuine love. These qualities are essential in any marriage, promoting forgiveness, selflessness, and perseverance in difficult times. Love is the foundation for building a strong and lasting bond.
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
This verse reminds husbands of their responsibility to love their wives unconditionally and with gentleness. It encourages them to treat their wives with kindness, respect, and consideration, fostering a nurturing and loving environment within the marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-11
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
This verse highlights the value and significance of a wife of noble character. It emphasizes the trust, respect, and confidence her husband has in her. A virtuous wife contributes greatly to the strength and success of the marriage.
Mark 10:9
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
This verse emphasizes the divine institution of marriage and the permanence of the marital bond. It teaches that once God has united a couple in marriage, it should be honored and protected from separation or divorce.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
This verse calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. It encourages husbands to serve, cherish, and prioritize their wives’ well-being above their own.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
This verse highlights the blessings and favor that come from finding a godly spouse. It recognizes the significant role and impact that a loving and virtuous wife can have in a husband’s life.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
In any marriage, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are essential. This verse urges spouses to treat each other with love and grace, mirroring the forgiveness they have received through Christ’s sacrificial love.
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
This verse highlights the profound impact a wife’s character has on her husband. A virtuous wife brings honor and value to her husband, while a wife who lacks integrity can cause great harm and pain to the marriage and her spouse.
1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
This verse reminds us of the source of love – God Himself. As Christians, we are called to love one another, including our spouses, as an outpouring of the love we have received from God. It is through Him that we learn to love unconditionally.
Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
These verses celebrate the blessing and joy of marital intimacy. They encourage husbands to cherish and find satisfaction in their wives, enjoying a passionate and committed love throughout their lives.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
This verse reminds us of God’s design for marriage—a union between a man and a woman, where they become one flesh. It emphasizes the importance of leaving one’s family and cleaving to one’s spouse, forming a unique and sacred bond.
Proverbs 20:6-7
Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
These verses highlight the significance of faithfulness and righteousness in marriage. They acknowledge that true love is not just spoken but demonstrated through faithfulness. A faithful spouse brings blessings not only to their marriage but also to their children.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This verse emphasizes the importance of deep love within a relationship. Genuine love has the power to cover and forgive a multitude of sins, fostering a healthy, forgiving, and nurturing environment within marriage.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.
This verse highlights the role and responsibility of a wife in building a strong and stable home. It contrasts a wise woman who contributes to the growth and well-being of her household with a foolish woman who brings destruction and harm.
Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
This verse reaffirms the sacredness and permanence of marriage. Once two individuals are united as husband and wife, they become one flesh in the sight of God. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the marital bond.
Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
These verses reflect the trust, security, and blessings that come from having a faithful and trustworthy wife. They emphasize the importance of a wife’s commitment to bringing goodness and support to her husband throughout their lives together.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
This verse reminds us of the enduring and crucial importance of faith, hope, and love in our lives, including in our marriages. Love is elevated as the greatest virtue, the foundation on which all other aspects of our relationships should be built.