Love is the foundation of marriage, but what happens when love fades? The Bible addresses issues like divorce in situations where love is lost. Today, we will explore what Scripture says about divorce when one partner no longer loves the other.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Divorce Forgiveness
What Does The Bible Say About Divorce When One Does Not Love
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 acknowledges that in certain circumstances, such as when an unbelieving spouse decides to leave, divorce may be permitted. God desires for His people to live in peace, even if it means ending a marriage.
Matthew 19:9
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This verse emphasizes that divorce is not permissible for any reason except sexual immorality. God takes the covenant of marriage seriously and views divorce followed by remarriage as adultery.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the LORD Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
God condemns divorce done out of hatred, as it goes against His intention for husbands to protect and cherish their wives. This verse serves as a warning against unfaithfulness within marriage.
Mark 10:9
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. “
This verse emphasizes God’s intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment. It reminds believers not to separate what God has joined, reinforcing the sanctity and permanence 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.
In this passage, Paul provides instructions to married believers. He urges them not to separate from their spouses, but if they do, they should either remain unmarried or seek reconciliation with their partner. Divorce is not encouraged.
Matthew 5:31-32
It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 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.
Jesus challenges the prevailing cultural norms regarding divorce and addresses the issue from a moral standpoint. He teaches that divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, leads to adultery and is therefore not in accordance with God’s will.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14
To the rest, I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
In this passage, Paul acknowledges the situation where a believer is married to an unbeliever. He advises that if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believer should not seek divorce. The presence of faith in one spouse can positively influence the unbelieving spouse and the children.
Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Jesus reiterates the divine intention of marriage, emphasizing the unity and oneness that occurs between husband and wife. He teaches that no one has the authority to separate what God has joined together.
1 Peter 3:1
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.
In this verse, Peter encourages wives to display godly behavior and submission to their husbands, even if the husband is not a believer. Through their actions and character, wives have the potential to influence their husbands to embrace the faith.
Proverbs 2:16-17
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
This passage warns against the seductive influence of an adulterous woman. It underscores the importance of honoring the marriage covenant made before God and remaining faithful to one’s spouse.
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 blessings and joy that can be found in a faithful and loving marriage. They encourage husbands to cherish and be satisfied with their wives, finding delight in the commitment of their youth.
Proverbs 6:32
But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.
Adultery is condemned in this verse, highlighting the destructive consequences it brings upon the person who engages in such behavior. It serves as a warning against infidelity within marriage.
Proverbs 30:20
This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’
These verses depict the deceptive nature of those who commit adultery. They justify their actions and deny any wrongdoing, illustrating the importance of remaining faithful and honorable in marriage.
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 recognizes the significant impact a wife of virtuous character can have on her husband. It emphasizes the importance of embodying honor and integrity within the marital relationship.
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 describes the divine establishment of marriage, highlighting the inseparable union between a husband and wife. It reinforces the idea that marriage is a lifelong bond.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
This verse exhorts husbands to love their wives sacrificially, modeling their love after Christ’s love for the church. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and devotion within marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-23
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
These verses call wives to willingly submit to their husbands’ leadership within the context of marriage. It draws a parallel between the husband’s role as the head of the wife and Christ’s role as the head of the church.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
This verse highlights the value and blessing of having a prudent wife, emphasizing that she is a gift from the Lord. It underscores the significance of choosing a spouse with wisdom and discernment.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
This verse encourages believers to treat one another with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. In the context of marriage, it reminds spouses to extend grace and forgiveness to each other, fostering love and unity.
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
As husbands are called to lead their wives, this verse instructs them to love their wives and avoid harshness or cruelty towards them. It highlights the importance of cultivating a loving and respectful atmosphere within the marital relationship.
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’
These verses capture Ruth’s profound loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. They exemplify the sacrificial love and devotion that can exist within a marriage, serving as an example of the beauty of marital unity.
Proverbs 31:10-12
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. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
These verses celebrate the worth and character of a noble wife, highlighting her value and the positive impact she has on her husband’s life. They underscore the importance of mutual trust, support, and moral character within a marriage.