Dating after divorce can raise many questions for Christians. The Bible provides principles to guide believers through this sensitive topic. Today, we’ll see how God’s word addresses relationships and healing after divorce.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Standing Up Against Evil
What Does The Bible Say About Dating After Divorce
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, highlighting that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment. It cautions against marrying someone who has been divorced, as it is considered adultery in the eyes of God.
It is important to approach dating after divorce with caution, taking the time to heal and seek God’s guidance before pursuing a new relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:11
“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 instructs that if a divorced woman cannot be reconciled with her husband, she should remain unmarried. It emphasizes the importance of working towards reconciliation in marriage and avoiding divorce when possible.
When considering dating after divorce, it is important to consider the possibility of reconciliation and seek God’s guidance on whether to pursue a new relationship or focus on healing and restoration of the previous marriage.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
This verse condemns the act of divorcing one’s spouse out of a lack of love. It emphasizes the importance of treating one’s spouse with love and respect, and warns against faithlessness in marriage.
When considering dating after divorce, it is essential to reflect on the reasons for the previous divorce and ensure that love and faithfulness will be prioritized in any future relationship.
Matthew 19:9
“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
This verse reiterates that divorce and remarriage, except in cases of sexual immorality, is considered adultery in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the importance of honoring the commitment of marriage.
When considering dating after divorce, it is crucial to seek forgiveness and healing from past sins and ensure that any future relationship aligns with God’s standards.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse underscores the sacredness of marriage and emphasizes that it is not to be easily broken. It encourages couples to remain committed and work towards unity in their relationship.
When considering dating after divorce, it is essential to approach potential relationships with the understanding that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and to seek God’s guidance in discerning His will.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse further emphasizes the unity and indissolubility of marriage, highlighting that once two people are joined in marriage, they become one flesh in the eyes of God.
When considering dating after divorce, it is important to reflect on the oneness established in previous marriage and seek God’s guidance in navigating new relationships.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
This verse urges believers to flee from sexual immorality, highlighting the gravity of this sin and its impact on one’s own body.
When dating after divorce, it is essential to uphold biblical principles of purity and avoid engaging in any form of sexual immorality.
Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes the unity and commitment in marriage, highlighting that a husband and wife are to leave their families and cleave to one another, becoming one flesh.
When considering dating after divorce, it is important to understand the significance of this unity and seek a partner who is willing to commit to the lifelong journey of marriage.
Malachi 2:14
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
This verse rebukes those who have been unfaithful to their spouse and highlights the covenantal nature of marriage.
When considering dating after divorce, it is crucial to reflect on one’s past faithfulness and seek opportunities for personal growth and restoration before pursuing another relationship.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
This verse encourages believers to cast their cares and burdens upon the Lord, knowing that He will sustain them and protect them from being shaken.
When navigating the complexities of dating after divorce, it is crucial to lean on God and trust Him to guide and support throughout the journey.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and seeking His wisdom in all areas of life, including relationships.
When entering the realm of dating after divorce, it is essential to rely on God’s guidance and wisdom rather than relying solely on our own understanding.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
This verse warns against the influence of bad company, emphasizing the negative impact it can have on one’s morals.
When engaging in the world of dating after divorce, it is important to surround oneself with positive influences and seek relationships that align with biblical values.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse encourages believers to uplift and support one another, highlighting the importance of community.
When embarking on the journey of dating after divorce, it is vital to seek the support and encouragement of fellow believers who can provide wisdom, accountability, and emotional support.
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with wise individuals, as their influence can lead to wisdom and discernment.
When navigating the complexities of dating after divorce, it is crucial to seek the counsel and wisdom of mature believers who can provide guidance and help make wise decisions.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse underscores the value of true friendship and highlights the importance of having loyal and trustworthy friends.
When venturing into the world of dating after divorce, it is crucial to lean on the support of trusted friends who can provide guidance, accountability, and prayer support.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who challenge and encourage spiritual growth.
When entering the realm of dating after divorce, it is important to seek relationships with individuals who foster personal growth and spiritual maturity.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This verse describes the characteristics of genuine love, highlighting its selflessness, humility, and endurance.
When pursuing dating after divorce, it is essential to seek a partner who exemplifies these qualities and is committed to loving sacrificially.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
This verse cautions against entering into relationships with unbelievers, emphasizing the importance of aligning with a partner who shares one’s faith.
When considering dating after divorce, it is crucial to seek a partner who shares the same spiritual values and commitment to Christ.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This verse encourages believers to resist conforming to worldly standards and instead seek transformation through the renewal of the mind.
When navigating the realm of dating after divorce, it is vital to renew one’s mind according to God’s Word and seek His will in all aspects of relationships.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes that finding a wise and discerning spouse is a gift from God.
When considering dating after divorce, it is important to seek God’s guidance and trust in His divine providence to bring a partner who possesses prudence and wisdom.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
This verse directs husbands to treat their wives with understanding, honor, and respect, acknowledging their equal worth as co-heirs of God’s grace.
When entering the world of dating after divorce, it is crucial to seek a partner who values and respects gender roles and treats one another with love and equality.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse encourages believers to live their lives in a way that brings glory and honor to God, including their dating relationships.
When approaching dating after divorce, it is crucial to keep the focus on glorifying God in all aspects of the relationship and to prioritize His will above personal desires and ambitions.