Biblical Context and Principles

The Bible provides guidance on relationships, emphasizing love, commitment, and reconciliation. However, it also acknowledges situations where ending a relationship may be necessary. The Scriptures offer principles that can be applied when considering the dissolution of a relationship, whether it be marital, familial, or platonic.

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage is a covenantal relationship designed by God to be lifelong. In Matthew 19:6 , Jesus states, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This underscores the sanctity and permanence of marriage. However, the Bible does recognize circumstances under which divorce may be permissible. In Matthew 19:9 , Jesus says, "And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery." This indicates that marital unfaithfulness is a valid ground for divorce.

The Apostle Paul also addresses marriage and separation in 1 Corinthians 7. He advises believers to remain married if possible but acknowledges that separation may occur. In 1 Corinthians 7:15 , he writes, "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace." This suggests that abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is another situation where separation is permissible.

Friendships and Other Relationships

While the Bible does not provide explicit instructions for ending friendships or non-marital relationships, it offers principles for managing conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships. Proverbs 17:9 states, "Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends." This highlights the importance of forgiveness and discretion in preserving friendships.

However, there are instances where ending a relationship may be necessary for spiritual well-being. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 , Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This suggests that relationships that lead one away from godly living may need to be reconsidered.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

The Bible places a strong emphasis on reconciliation and forgiveness. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing offenses within the community of believers, emphasizing the goal of reconciliation. He instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This passage encourages believers to seek resolution and restoration before considering ending a relationship.

Forgiveness is a central tenet of Christian teaching. In Colossians 3:13 , Paul writes, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This call to forgiveness is foundational in maintaining and restoring relationships.

Guidance and Discernment

When contemplating ending a relationship, seeking divine guidance through prayer and Scripture is essential. James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Seeking counsel from wise and mature Christians can also provide clarity and support.

Ultimately, the decision to end a relationship should be approached with humility, love, and a desire to honor God. The Bible provides principles that guide believers in making decisions that align with their faith and values.1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
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Matthew 19:9
And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery.
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Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
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Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
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Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
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Whether Spiritual Relationship is Contracted by Baptism Only?
... things, beginning with the first taste of blessed salt and ending with Confirmation
given by the bishop: and they say that spiritual relationship is contracted ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether spiritual relationship is contracted.htm

Chapter xli
... In v.11, in nachalmah the ending ah with waw conversive is quite the ... is to leave
the first noun indefinite, therefore le in the construct relationship (KS280 l ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... The utterance, beginning (verse 1) and ending (verse 3) with the same words, is
the ... of Christ, for He does not associate Himself with us in this relationship. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

Concerning "Holy of Holies," "King of Kings," "Lord of Lords ...
... this matter have been brought, I think, to a proper ending, we must ... But then he
holds--and here explains--that the roots of this relationship exist timelessly ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter xii concerning holy of.htm

The First Blast of Tempest
... Annas was an emeritus high priest, whose age and relationship to Caiaphas, the actual ...
The rulers' contempt had been expressed by their emphatic ending of their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the first blast of tempest.htm

Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick
... inspect the enormous saucepan in which the school food is made, ending up with ... come
as patients to the dispensary, we enter upon a more intimate relationship. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxii preaching the gospel.htm

On the Study of Zoology.
... and the biologists have come to repudiate any blood-relationship with their ... but a
great shield-like shell, called technically the "carapace," ending in front ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vi on the study of.htm

Morgan -- the Perfect Ideal of Life
... He worked as a lay-mission preacher for the two years ending 1888, and was ordained
to the ministry in the following ... He went into all the relationship of life. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/morgan the perfect ideal.htm

Then
... sense of the word "Son" is acknowledged the close relationship of Nature ... most excellent
Wisdom somewhere tells us, exhibits "the beginning, ending, and midst of ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 then.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... in the will, and they are only heirs as they stand in relationship with one ... the
boundaries of Christ's possession if you can, and then dream of ending a limit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

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