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Scripture gives us strong direction to commit to marriage till death us do part. Scripture condemns quick and easy divorce. Scripture connects us with the power of the Spirit to heal sin’s wounds and change our behaviors. Scripture tells us that love always hopes, always perseveres.
But sometimes the marriage bond is broken by the ultimate betrayal. Jesus himself, in warning against casual divorce, grants an exception in the case of adultery by a partner: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9).
What to do when that happens? Time for careful planning. Time to get sober advice from trusted family members and friends. Time to see your pastor. If the innocent spouse decides that the marriage is irretrievably broken by the partner’s adultery, he or she may seek a divorce without sinning.
Even better is the possibility of reconciliation. Permission from God to seek a divorce is not a mandate. It is one of my joys to know happily married couples who overcame a serious breach of trust years back. Perhaps you know some too. Perhaps you are one of them.
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