I Corinthians 7:15
“Yet if the unbelieving one is leaving, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.”
I’ve learned a few years ago that some use this verse as a justification for divorce and remarriage. It’s not very clear. I would have never gotten that. The only clear reason is adultery. Jesus said in Matthew 19:9, “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Matthew 19:8 says, ‘Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.”‘
I would say abuse and some law breaking would be other reasons for divorce. Much could fall under the category of abuse.
These are uncomfortable and difficult decisions. Some bad and good examples come to mind. Some are fabricated and others are legitimate.
While adultery is the clear reason to leave ones spouse, it doesn’t have to be. If repentance is there, the offended party can forgive and stay. I Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Trust has to be regained.
Hosea was a prophet of Israel. God had him marry a prostitute. They had children together. She cheated on him. However God had him stay in the marriage and continue to love her. Chapter 3:1 describes this relationship is like God and Israel, “Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by anothera and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.” Forgiving and remaining isn’t mandatory, but it is godlike.
Jesus, let us love our spouses as deeply as You love us. Keep us from cheating and all temptations.