A Binding Marriage

By Randy Harp, Director, BBFI Central Office, Springfield, MO

Read Matthew 5:31-32.

One of the general themes of the Sermon on the Mount is living counter-culturally. Today’s passage is one of extreme when it comes to this theme. Sadly, divorce has become the norm in many families. We all know couples that have experienced the tragedy of divorce. We must be reminded what the Bible says about this sensitive and sometimes controversial topic. In this passage, Jesus gives us God’s clear standards for marriage. He emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

Marriage is God’s perfect plan for humanity. It is the union of one man and one woman for life, reflecting God’s love and faithfulness towards His people. When two people marry, they become one flesh in the sight of God, and nothing should separate them. Marriage is designed to reflect the unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness that God extends to us. However, we live in a fallen world; sin has brought much brokenness and pain into our relationships. Divorce is a result of sin, and it hurts not only the couple but also their children and their wider community.

While Jesus firmly stresses the sanctity of marriage, it is essential to recognize the complexities of life and human relationships. We cannot address divorce without considering the various circumstances that may lead to it, such as adultery and abandonment, alongside a host of other complications. We must approach those who have experienced divorce with love and understanding, offering support and helping them find healing in Christ.

Marriage is God’s perfect plan for humanity. It is the union of one man and one woman for life, reflecting God’s love and faithfulness towards His people. Click To Tweet

However, Jesus’ words also serve as a warning against trivializing the sanctity of marriage. We should never use divorce as a quick fix or an easy way out of challenges and conflicts. Instead, we must commit ourselves to working diligently on our marriages, seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration. As followers of Christ, we can look to Him as our ultimate example of sacrificial love, perseverance, and forgiveness.

If you find yourself in a struggling marriage, turn to God for guidance and strength. Seek His wisdom through prayer and His Word. Involve godly mentors, pastors, or counselors who can provide biblical counsel and support. Remember, no matter the circumstances, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power can move mountains. He can heal broken hearts, restore broken relationships, and make something beautiful out of the ashes.

It is vitally important that we pray daily for our marriage. We should also pray for the marriages of those we love, such as our family, our pastor, and our friends. 

Reflective Questions:

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your marriage? What are you doing to strengthen your marriage? Who are you looking to for wisdom and as an example? 
2. Have you ever contemplated divorce? Are you at that point currently? If so, seek godly council immediately. Let your pastor know and ask for help. 
3. Do you know someone that has experienced a divorce? How can you help them in their healing? How can you point them to biblical standards for marriage? 

Memory Verse:

But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. Matthew 5:32 (NKJV)

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for the beautiful gift of marriage. Thank you for my spouse! Help me to do all that I can to strengthen my marriage. Help me to put my spouse’s needs before my own. Help me to value them more than myself. Help me glorify You in my marriage.  

Related Scriptures

Jeremiah 3:1; Romans 7:3; Luke 16:18; I Corinthians 7:10-11