Divorce or Reconciliation

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Dear Online Pastor,

I am having trouble finding a verse about divorce. Is there anywhere in the bible that says if a woman has been adulterous and then is no longer, and her husband forgives her then he is commanded to reconcile?

I read that divorce is permitted because of adultery, but if the adultery is stopped and forgiven, then is divorce allowed or is reconcilliation comanded?

Thank you

Signed,
Divorce or reconciliation

Dear Divorce or reconciliation,

I don’t believe that reconciliation is commanded in the issue of adultery. Forgiveness is, but reconciliation is different. Reconciliation has to to with trust, and once trust is violated it takes time to restore. While adultery is grounds for divorce in the Bible, divorce is not commanded because of adultery. If it is possible for the relationship to be restored, then it should be. This has more to do with where your hearts are then what is commanded.

Hope that helps!

P.S. Jesus talks about adultery and divorce is His sermon on the mount in Matthew Chapter 5. The verses are included below for your review:

Matthew 5:27-32 (NIV)
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. 31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Internet Pastor

(Internet Pastor Online Ministry is provided for education and entertainment purposes. This site is in no way a substitute for a relationship with a local church/pastor or with a licensed counselor when necessary.)