God’s Heart On Divorce
“The Sacred Bond: God’s Heart on Divorce”
Bro Charlie Chan | 22 June 2025 | Matthew 5:31–32
31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except [a]sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
In a world where permanence is rare and commitment is often optional, Jesus’ words in this part of the Sermon on the Mount speak with piercing clarity. He reaffirms that marriage is not just a legal contract—it is a sacred covenant designed by God.
Divorce, while widely accepted in His time (and ours), is not treated lightly by the Lord. His words are not just a correction of cultural norms—they are a restoration of God's heart for marriage, a call to truth, grace, and covenant faithfulness.
Jesus begins by addressing the commonly accepted practice of giving a certificate of divorce (Matthew 5:31), which was based on Deuteronomy 24:1. In that time, men would divorce their wives for superficial reasons—aging appearance, or personal displeasure. The certificate was meant to protect women legally, but it had become a loophole for casual separation. Jesus confronts this misuse and brings His followers back to God’s original intent.
In Matthew 5:32, Jesus declares, “But I say to you…”—a phrase that shows His divine authority. He doesn't abolish the law, but deepens and fulfills it. Divorce, He teaches, is a spiritual rupture, not just a legal procedure. He permits divorce only in cases of sexual immorality, which violates the marital covenant. Even then, divorce is not commanded, only allowed, because God's heart is always inclined toward reconciliation and restoration.
Jesus affirms in Matthew 19:6: “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” Divorce is devastating—it hurts not only the couple but also their children, families, and the wider community. It breaks something sacred and intimate. Jesus calls His followers to a radical faithfulness, one that mirrors God's own unbreakable love and covenant loyalty.
Yet, Jesus also speaks healing to the broken. For those who are divorced—whether by choice or not—there is grace. As Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Divorce is not the unforgivable sin. When there is genuine repentance, God forgives and restores (1 John 1:9). Jesus showed this in His encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4—He spoke the truth about her life, but also offered her living water. He did not ignore her sin, but met her with love and transformation.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Scripture reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Past failures, including divorce, do not define us—Jesus offers a new beginning. Our lives can be repurposed and redeemed when we walk in obedience and grace.
The church, therefore, must not be a courtroom for the condemned, but a hospital for the wounded. As Galatians 6:1 teaches, “Restore them gently.” The body of Christ is called to uphold the truth, but always in love. Divorced believers who seek to follow Christ should be welcomed, discipled, and restored—never shamed.
What Can We Do Today?
If you're married, fight for your marriage. Invest daily, forgive quickly, and invite Jesus into the center of your relationship.
If you're struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Seek counsel and community. Let God mend what feels broken.
If you’re divorced, bring your pain to Jesus. He doesn’t discard you—He heals, redeems, and gives new purpose.
As a church, let’s be a people of both truth and grace. Let us stand firm on God’s Word while opening our arms wide to the hurting.
