Divorce is always a challenging subject, and when narcissism is involved, it adds another layer of complexity. The Bible offers guidance on marriage, divorce, and how to deal with difficult relationships, while also encouraging healing, wisdom, and trust in God’s plan for our lives.
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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 highlights the seriousness of divorce and the consequences it can have on individuals involved. It stresses the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in marriage and discourages divorce except in cases of sexual immorality.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of marriage. It reminds believers that marriage is a union established by God, and therefore, it should not be easily dissolved.
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 emphasizes the importance of preserving and working through marital issues rather than seeking divorce. It encourages spouses to seek reconciliation and maintain the sanctity of marriage.
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 where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage. It acknowledges that in such cases, the believer is not obligated to continue the marriage and stresses the importance of living in peace.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Similar to Matthew 5:32, this verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and the consequences of remarriage after divorce, apart from cases of sexual immorality. It reminds believers of the commitment and fidelity required in marriage.
Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously [unfaithfully and treacherously].”
This verse strongly conveys God’s disapproval of divorce and violence within marriage. It warns against treating one’s spouse with treachery and reminds individuals to guard their spirits against unfaithfulness.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each man among you [without exception] is to love his wife as his very own self [with behavior worthy of respect and esteem, always seeking the best for her with an attitude of lovingkindness], and the wife [must see to it] that she respects and delights in her husband [that she notices him and prefers him and treats him with loving concern, treasuring him, honoring him, and holding him dear].”
This verse highlights the mutual responsibilities within a marriage. It encourages husbands to love and cherish their wives, while wives are called to respect and honor their husbands, fostering a healthy and loving relationship.
1 Peter 3:7
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating one’s spouse with honor and understanding. It recognizes the equality of spouses in God’s eyes and encourages husbands to consider and respect their wives, ensuring a harmonious and prayerful relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], but the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and godly principles in maintaining a thriving household. It encourages women to diligently build their homes on a foundation of faith and wisdom while cautioning against the destructive consequences of disregarding spiritual insights.
Proverbs 27:15-16
“A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious (quarrelsome) woman are alike; whoever attempts to control her [temporarily] restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.”
This verse illustrates the challenging dynamics of living with a contentious and argumentative woman. It metaphorically portrays such behavior as disruptive and difficult to control, highlighting the potential difficulties in maintaining a peaceful and harmonious marriage in such circumstances.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse emphasizes the strain and discord that can arise from living with a quarrelsome wife. It suggests that it is preferable to live in a more isolated and peaceful setting than to be constantly embroiled in conflict within the shared household.
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.”
This verse praises the qualities and value of a noble and virtuous wife. It highlights the trust and confidence her husband has in her, acknowledging the positive impact she brings to his life.
Proverbs 31:26-28
“She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat. Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); her husband also, and he praises her.”
This verse describes the capabilities and virtues of a wise and godly wife. It highlights her skillful and kind words, her attentiveness to her household, and the admiration and praise she receives from her children and husband.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives [with an affectionate, sympathetic, selfless love that always seeks the best for them] and do not be embittered or resentful toward them [because of the responsibilities of marriage].”
This verse highlights the command for husbands to love their wives genuinely and selflessly. It encourages husbands to avoid bitterness or resentment and to prioritize the well-being of their wives, fostering a healthy and supportive marital 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 from Corinthians provides a comprehensive description of love’s attributes. It serves as a reminder of the characteristics that should guide every marriage, including patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and commitment.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love in a marriage. It encourages couples to love one another deeply and reminds them that love has the power to forgive and overlook each other’s faults and shortcomings.
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 highlights the qualities needed to maintain a healthy and harmonious marriage. It encourages humility, gentleness, patience, and love, reminding couples to work diligently to preserve unity and peace within their relationship.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse warns against entering into a marriage with an unbeliever. It acknowledges the significant differences in values, beliefs, and lifestyles, and cautions against the potential challenges and conflicts that can arise in such unions.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse encourages kindness and generosity towards others. It reminds individuals to treat others with respect and compassion, fostering a loving and compassionate attitude within a marriage and beyond.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.”
This verse highlights the strength and support that come from the companionship of a marital relationship. It emphasizes the importance of unity and teamwork, as couples can provide encouragement and assistance to one another in times of need.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
This verse speaks to the mutual submission required in a Christian marriage. It calls both spouses to willingly yield to one another with respect for Christ’s example, fostering an environment of mutual love and respect.
Ruth 1:16
“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.”
This verse showcases the loyalty and commitment portrayed by Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi. It serves as a reminder that marriage involves a willingness to support and stand by one another, even in challenging and uncertain circumstances.