How does a man divorcing his wife make her commit adultery?
Matt 5:32 says, "I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery."
Matthew 5:32
ESV - 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.
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Asked January 08 2016
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Anonymous
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Terry Galloway
This is one verse that is a hard saying of Jesus, but we know that He (as God) never lies and because He loves us He tells us how to live and make decisions.
I am writing this from the divorced wife's point of view since I begged my husband not to divorce me since there was no reason to not to repent (he was committing adultery) and for me to forgive him. But repeated sin seared his conscience, and he to date has remained unrepentant.
Unfortunately, he made his choice to disobey God clearly knowing that God hates divorce and commands us not to commit adultery. In Mark 10:11-12 and Luke 16 (18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries one who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.) Jesus reiterates that marriage is for life joined together by God into one flesh that is not ended by a secular divorce.
Sadly, Satan is winning in many churches with divorce and remarriage being an accepted part of our culture instead of teaching the permanence view of marriage that Jesus himself taught. Also Romans 7:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 say that a woman is married for life.
Is it difficult to stay faithful to my vows for 8 years so far since my husband divorced me? Yes. But I have a intimate relationship with the Lord as my husband knowing that I will be accountable for my fight or lack of fight to please the Lord. Interestingly, I haven't had a single godly man approach me, so I believe that they don't want to participate in adultery with marrying the divorced woman. As Christ followers we love Christ and His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3)
I still pray for my ex-husband but generally call him my husband and wear my wedding rings. My three children support me as they know God's Word and believe that remarriage is adultery. Hebrews 13:4 says that those who defile the marriage bed will be judged. God will hold my husband accountable. I will also be held accountable so I do not want to commit any adultery and presumptuously assume grace. As David said "Lord, keep me from presumptuous sins".
I have to trust in the Lord with all my heart that He knows what He has planned for me and that He is my provider and protector. I pray for my husband's business to be blessed and that there is some hope that after the court-ordered alimony is over, that God will soften his heart and he will continue to provide for me (I gave up my career as he wanted in 1992 to raise his three children). I appreciate all the prayers that I can get.
I do have the peace of knowing that I love the Lord and that I don't want to participate in the things He hates:
But you say, “Why [does He reject it]?” Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet she is your marriage companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your vows]. 15 But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong and violence,” says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore keep watch on your spirit, so that you do not deal treacherously [with your wife].”
17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “In what way have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,” or [by asking], “Where is the God of justice?”
God is the God of justice and mercy. Nothing is hidden from Him, not even our thoughts. If you see a struggling marriage, help them for their sakes and the sake of their children to stay married and not please Satan who loves to destroy families. It is exceedingly painful and has eternal consequences. Keep praying too! Nothing is impossible with God.
To God be the glory, great things He is doing.
Jack Gutknecht
32. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery—that is, drives her into it in case she marries again.