Counsel #21 — Divorce

Picture: Counsel #21 — DivorceCR 226.1

No one walks down the aisle expecting to one day walk away from the relationship. Most marriages begin with hope, love, and sincere commitment, but sometimes, things can begin to unravel. Divorce is never easy, and Scripture doesn’t treat it casually.CR 226.2

God’s heart is always for reconciliation and healing, and He designed marriage to be a covenant. As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe marriage is a sacred covenant meant to last a lifetime.^{[237] https://family.adventist.org/divorce-and-remarriage-in-the-seventh-day-adventist-church-marriage-divorce-and-remarriage-church-manual-2005/} God’s ideal is that couples reflect His faithfulness, working through hardship, forgiving generously, and leaning on divine strength. Christ can bring new life to broken things, so reconciliation is always worth fighting for, especially in a culture that gives up too easily. With that being said, Scripture also acknowledges that there are situations where safety and trust are shattered beyond repair. Jesus affirmed that sexual immorality breaks the marital covenant. In addition, any type of abuse should never be endured in silence. Even in these painful outcomes, God offers restoration, purpose, and the possibility of second chances through Him.CR 226.3

“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9 NIVCR 226.4

“There is only one sin, which is adultery, which can place the husband or wife in a position where they can be free from the marriage vow in the sight of God.” Ellen White in The Adventist Home, p. 344CR 226.5

Reflect: How does viewing marriage as a covenant, rather than just a contract, influence your approach to challenges and commitment within the relationship?CR 226.6