Divorce is a sensitive subject, and there are many misconceptions about it, just as there are about remarriage after divorce. Some believers think that remarriage after divorce is a sin, while others believe it is an acceptable option. Noticeably, many Christians have turned to pastors and counselors for guidance on this subject.
The Bible does indirectly state whether remarriage is a sin or not, but Jesus’ words about divorce in Matthew 5:32, 19:9 (ESV) may be relevant to this issue. It states that divorce is allowed in cases of sexual immorality and that remarriage is not a sin if divorce is caused by adultery.
People who have been through a divorce and then found a godly person to marry again can find remarriage to be a huge blessing. However, remarriage after divorce should be done with extreme caution. This article will discuss God’s heart when it comes to divorce and remarriage and how you can pray for guidance as you consider this important decision.
Is It A Sin To Remarry A Godly Man?
Will God Give Me a Chance to Have a Better Marriage After Divorce?
As we know, from the beginning, the Bible says that what God has joined together, let no man separate [Matthew 19:6 (ESV)]. It was not God’s original plan for you to divorce and remarry, but He does understand the brokenness of this world and has given us guidance in the Bible on how to best navigate such difficult situations.
The divorce decree was first written at the time of Moses and was part of the Old Testament law [Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (ESV)]. Jesus later declared that divorce was allowed due to the hardness of people’s hearts, but He encouraged couples to make every effort to stay together and remain faithful [Matthew 19:9 (ESV)].
So, to the question of whether God will give you a chance to have a better marriage after divorce, the answer is yes. God provides a way for you to experience the joy of marriage in a new relationship if your spouse has died or if the cause of the divorce is based on biblical grounds.
Is It A Sin To Remarry A Godly Man?
However, there is a need to reiterate that divorce is never God’s ideal, and He does not take it lightly. He desires for everyone to honor the covenant of marriage, and He is willing to heal and restore any relationship. Divorce is permitted, but this doesn’t mean it is mandated. Even if divorce is allowed, the marriage covenant and relationship should be preserved, if possible.
It is crucial to seek His guidance and strength amid such a difficult situation and to recognize that He still loves and cares for us, even when our relationships do not go as planned. His grace and mercy are enough to make up for any brokenness we may feel, and His strength is enough to help us keep going, even when things look hopeless.
When you have a desire to remarry, you should first understand God’s principles for remarriage and make sure that your decision aligns with His Word. Let’s try to understand what God says about divorce so that we can make an informed decision about remarriage.
Biblical Grounds for Divorce and Remarriage
1. Death
The Bible says that when a spouse dies, the surviving partner is released from the marriage bond [Romans 7:2–3 (ESV)]. Therefore, remarriage is allowed for a widow or widower whose spouse has passed away.
This is the most commonly accepted form of remarriage in the Christian faith. However, it is important to remember that remarriage is a decision that should only be taken after much prayer and thought, since it affects both the surviving partner and the present and prospective families.
This may be the reason why the Apostle Paul once said in 1 Corinthians 7:8–9 (ESV) that it is better to remain single when a husband or wife dies. It is also stated in 1 Timothy 5:5 (ESV) that a widow should put her hope alone in the Lord. However, if one cannot exercise self-control, they should remarry, rather than burn in passion.
There are certain situations, however, where God leads the surviving spouse to remarry, especially in cases where the marriage will glorify the Lord. This could include marrying a godly man or a Christian who will assist them in serving the Lord and fulfilling their God-given purpose. Sometimes, God may use their life to save someone’s soul and assist them in accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and dedicating their lives to Him.
2. Infidelity
There is a “exception clause” in (Matthew 5:32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (ESV) and (Matthew 19:9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery. (ESV) that Jesus provides for certain conditions under which divorce is permissible. This exception clause in both scriptures is the phrase “except for sexual immorality.”
Is It A Sin To Remarry A Godly Man?
Is It A Sin To Remarry A Godly Man?
Sexual immorality or infidelity is seen as a violation of the marital covenant, and thus Jesus’ exception clause here can be said to be an allowance for divorce in the case of a partner’s unfaithfulness. Furthermore, Jesus also has remarriage in mind when He mentions the phrase “marries another” in the scriptures mentioned above. This possibly indicates that divorce and remarriage are allowed in instances of infidelity.
We should always keep in mind that, while remarriage can be allowed, it is not the only option. In some cases, God wills a person to remain single and never marry again.
However, it is always best for a couple to try to mend the relationship and continue to be married if the unfaithful partner apologizes, truly repents, and becomes faithful again. God prefers that marriages remain intact if reconciliation is possible, because He is a God of grace and mercy. We should show that same grace and mercy to those who have sinned against us.
Infidelity is a serious sin and can have long-lasting consequences. It can damage trust, emotional intimacy, and communication within the marriage. It can be hard to rebuild a relationship after a breach of trust, but it is possible with God’s help and guidance, and with the commitment to forgive, move forward, and repair the broken relationship.
3. Abandonment
God does not want anyone to be in an abusive or neglectful marriage. He desires that everyone experience the joy of a healthy, loving marriage. Abuse of any kind is a sin, but the Bible does not specifically say anything about it being grounds for divorce.
That said, if a spouse is found to be in a dangerous or unlivable situation because of how their partner acts, they may need to leave their partner for their own safety. A believer is not obligated to stay in a marriage with an unbeliever who wants out. While the Bible does not explicitly include abuse as a reason to remarry, some people rightfully argue that it is acceptable.
Praying for a Godly Husband After Divorce
Prayer and God’s guidance remain the best decisions or actions one can take to move on from their divorce and find a godly husband. If a divorce falls under the biblical grounds mentioned above, and if God has again put the desire to get married in one’s heart, then it is necessary to pray that God will give them the strength, courage and wisdom to make the right choice in choosing another spouse.
The prayer below can give some inspiration and may help someone who desires to marry a godly man after divorce:
Dear God, thank You for Your love, faithfulness and guidance. I know that You have a plan for my life and are fully aware of the desires of my heart. Please lead me in my search for a godly husband who will love and honor You, and whose heart and character are compatible with mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When you pray for a godly husband, let your faith be strong in the assurance that God will answer your prayer according to His perfect will and timing. Sometimes, it may feel like God isn’t listening, but always remember that He knows what is best for you. Be patient as you wait for Him to show you His perfect plan, and have faith that He will give you the right husband, even if you have gotten divorced.
Conclusion
To be clear, divorce should always be the last option and should only be considered when all other ways of reuniting have failed. That is why prayer and thought should be given before making such a life-altering decision. Also, if you decide to divorce, you should do so with humility and repentance, knowing that the decision will affect you and your family.
On the other hand, remarriage is not something to be taken lightly. It should be done with care and prayer. If someone decides to remarry, you shouldn’t judge them. Instead, you should support their choice and ensure that everyone takes the right steps to make the marriage work. Careful thought should be given to ensure that this choice is the best for everyone involved.
Remember that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman—and should be taken seriously. It also symbolizes Christ’s love for His Church and His everlasting faithfulness to us. Even if this article about divorce and remarriage has helped you understand things better, you should still pray for guidance and wisdom to know what God wants for your life and marriage.