What are the consequences of divorce according to Matthew 5:32? The Verse in Focus “ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:32) Immediate Consequences Jesus Identifies • The husband who divorces for any reason other than sexual immorality “brings adultery upon her.” – He forces her into a status where any subsequent marriage or union is viewed by God as adulterous. • “He who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” – The new husband enters an adulterous relationship, bearing personal guilt before God. Spiritual Weight of Adultery • Adultery violates the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). • Unrepented adultery keeps a person from inheriting the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). • It grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and disrupts fellowship with God (Isaiah 59:2). Ripple Effects Beyond the Couple • Family fracture—children experience divided loyalties and instability (Malachi 2:15–16). • Community testimony—marriage pictures Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31–32); divorce distorts that witness. • Personal trust—future relationships often carry wounds and diminished confidence. Why the Exception Clause Matters • Sexual immorality (Greek: porneia) breaks the one-flesh covenant (Matthew 19:9). • When that covenant is already shattered by immorality, divorce does not impose fresh adultery on the innocent spouse. Supporting Passages That Reinforce Jesus’ Warning • Malachi 2:16—“For I hate divorce,” says the Lord. • Matthew 19:6—“Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” • Mark 10:11–12—Jesus repeats that divorcing and remarrying equals adultery. • Romans 7:2–3—Marriage binds “as long as he lives”; remarriage while the spouse lives is called adultery. Encouragement Toward Covenant Faithfulness • Guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23); adultery begins within (Matthew 5:27–28). • Pursue reconciliation quickly (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). • Seek counsel and accountability in the church (Galatians 6:1–2). • Trust God’s grace to empower lifelong commitment (Philippians 4:13). |
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