Infidelity and divorce are topics that evoke deep emotions and often difficult discussions. As a Christian, it’s important to turn to Scripture for guidance on how to navigate the complexities of marriage, faithfulness, and the painful consequences of infidelity. God‘s Word speaks directly to the sanctity of marriage, the painful effects of betrayal, and the process of healing and reconciliation. However, it also provides clarity on how Christians are to approach divorce, when it’s permitted, and how to deal with the emotional and spiritual aftermath of broken relationships.
Marriage is a covenant, and infidelity – whether emotional or physical – is a violation of that covenant. Yet, even in the face of betrayal, Scripture calls us to extend forgiveness and seek restoration where possible. But when that is not feasible, the Bible also acknowledges that divorce may be necessary in certain situations.
In this article, we will explore 16 Bible verses that address the topics of infidelity, adultery, and divorce. These verses will offer wisdom, understanding, and comfort, shedding light on God’s perspective on marriage and how we can navigate the pain of infidelity, broken trust, and divorce through faith.
1. Matthew 19:3-9
“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?’ ‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’ ‘Why then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'”
In this passage, Jesus affirms the original design for marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant. He also acknowledges that divorce is allowed in the case of sexual immorality but emphasizes that it was never God’s intention for marriages to end in divorce.
2. 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.”
Here, Jesus reinforces the teaching that divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality. This verse highlights how serious the offense of adultery is and the consequences it brings to all parties involved.
3. 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 passage speaks directly to married couples, instructing them not to divorce, but if they do, they are to remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. The principle is clear: marriage is a permanent bond meant to be honored by both spouses.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:12-15
“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. 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.”
Paul addresses the scenario where one spouse is a believer, and the other is not. While divorce is not the preferred course of action, if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound by the marriage covenant in this case.
5. 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 and calls it an act of violence against the person who is supposed to be protected and loved. This verse emphasizes that divorce, when not related to infidelity or other legitimate reasons, is a grave sin against the covenant of marriage.
6. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Marriage is sacred and should be honored by all. The “undefiled” marriage bed is a reminder that faithfulness is the standard for married couples, and God will judge those who break this command through infidelity.
7. Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
The love between a husband and wife should reflect the sacrificial love that Christ has for the church. This calls husbands to faithfulness, commitment, and selflessness, traits that are essential in preventing infidelity in marriage.
8. Proverbs 6:32-33
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.”
Adultery is viewed as a serious moral failing in the Bible, with devastating consequences. These verses underscore the self-destructive nature of infidelity, not only in terms of personal character but also in terms of the damage it does to relationships.
9. Matthew 19:8
“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.'”
In this verse, Jesus reveals that divorce was never God’s ideal plan. It was only allowed due to the hardness of people’s hearts, a reflection of sin and rebellion. God’s intention from the beginning was for marriage to be permanent.
10. Romans 7:2-3
“For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.”
This passage teaches that a marriage covenant is only broken by death. Therefore, remarrying while a spouse is alive would be considered adultery unless the marriage bond has been biblically dissolved, usually through infidelity or abandonment.
11. 1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
Respect, love, and consideration for your spouse are essential in preserving a marriage. Infidelity often stems from a breakdown in these areas, which is why this verse underscores the importance of mutual respect in marriage.
12. Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Jesus emphasizes that remarriage after divorce (except in cases of infidelity) constitutes adultery. This reinforces the gravity of divorce in God’s eyes and highlights the permanence of marriage.
13. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage addresses various sins, including adultery. It serves as a reminder that unrepentant sin, including infidelity, can separate us from the Kingdom of God, but God offers forgiveness to those who turn to Him in repentance.
14. Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Adultery, along with other sinful acts, is categorized as part of the “acts of the flesh.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of living according to the Spirit and rejecting worldly temptations, including infidelity.
15. Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
This passage gives the steps for confronting sin in the church, including infidelity. Restoration should always be the goal, but if someone is unrepentant, church discipline may be necessary.
16. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
For those facing temptation or struggling with infidelity, this verse provides hope. God offers a way out of temptation, and He is faithful to help believers endure the trials they face.
Conclusion
The Bible takes marriage, faithfulness, and the sanctity of the marriage covenant very seriously. Infidelity and divorce are significant issues that can cause great pain and heartbreak, but Scripture offers wisdom, guidance, and hope for those navigating these difficult situations. Ultimately, God’s desire is for reconciliation, healing, and restoration in marriage. However, when that is not possible, He provides clear guidelines on how to handle divorce and its consequences.
Through the verses outlined in this article, we can see God’s heart for marriages, the importance of faithfulness, and the path to healing when infidelity and divorce occur. For those struggling with the effects of marital betrayal, the Bible offers both caution and comfort, reminding us that God’s grace is sufficient for every situation.
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