What steps can be taken to prevent divorce as warned in Matthew 5:32? Setting the Scene Jesus’ words about marriage are clear, weighty, and protective. He insists that covenant love remain intact, warning, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings her to commit adultery. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32). The following steps flow from that command, offering practical ways to keep a marriage strong and divorce off the table. Grasping Jesus’ Warning • Marriage is a lifelong, God-created covenant (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16). • Divorce, except for sexual immorality, leads to adultery by rupturing that covenant bond. • The Lord therefore calls husbands and wives to guard their unity with holy seriousness (Hebrews 13:4). Covenant Foundations that Shield Marriage • Affirm God’s design: “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Mark 10:9). • Enter marriage with a non-negotiable commitment to permanence. • View your spouse as God’s gracious gift, not a disposable partner (Proverbs 18:22). • Ground the relationship in shared faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14). Daily Practices that Nourish Oneness • Pray, read Scripture, and worship together—unity grows around the Word. • Communicate honestly and kindly; speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:25-32). • Set aside regular couple time; protect date nights and unhurried conversation. • Serve one another in practical ways—small acts of self-sacrifice build trust. • Express affection and intimacy; cherish the marriage bed (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). Guardrails Against Sexual Immorality • “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Establish transparent accountability for internet, phone, and media use. • Nurture emotional and physical intimacy at home to close doors the enemy might exploit. • Respect healthy boundaries with coworkers and friends of the opposite sex. Forgiveness and Reconciliation as a Lifestyle • “Bear with one another and forgive…as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). • Confess wrongs quickly; keep short accounts to prevent bitterness (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Let love “keep no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Seeking Biblical Counsel Early • “With many counselors there is deliverance” (Proverbs 11:14). • Invite wise, godly mentors to speak into your marriage before crises erupt. • Consider professional Christian counseling when patterns of hurt persist. Living Out Mutual Submission and Sacrificial Love • “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). • Husbands: love sacrificially as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). • Wives: respect and support your husband’s God-given leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24). • Husbands and wives together reflect Christ’s love and the church’s devotion. Spiritual Habits that Fortify the Union • Regular church involvement provides teaching, fellowship, and accountability. • Personal disciplines—prayer, fasting, Scripture memory—shape hearts to serve. • Corporate worship keeps the couple’s eyes on the Savior rather than themselves. Healthy Boundaries with People and Technology • Limit overwork and overstimulation that rob energy from the marriage. • Guard family time from excessive social media or entertainment. • Stand united when extended-family expectations threaten oneness (Genesis 2:24). Conclusion: Choosing Permanence God’s design for marriage is lifelong faithfulness, a reflection of Christ’s unwavering love for His bride. By grounding the relationship in covenant truth, practicing daily intimacy, guarding purity, extending forgiveness, and seeking wise counsel, husbands and wives can honor Jesus’ warning in Matthew 5:32 and enjoy a flourishing, enduring union. |
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