Not all Christian couples are blessed with a happy marriage. After some time, some of them find their marriages ending up in divorce.
When this happens, Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship said former husbands and wives must get rid of all toxic counsel and spend extended time with God and the Bible.
But after divorce, what happens when Christians find love again with someone else? Are they allowed to remarry?
"Many great Bible teachers are divided on this issue," Idleman shared with Charisma News. "Some believe remarriage is never allowed unless one of the spouses dies. But others suggest it is permissible when adultery and abandonment occur."
Idleman said all controversies surrounding remarriage involves the Bible verse Matthew 5:32 wherein Jesus said, "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery."
However, the pastor clarified that remarriage is not actually the big issue in the verse. Rather, it is manipulation and abandonment. Idleman said married couples should not divorce without cause, and people should not pursue relationships with someone who had abandoned their spouse.
Idleman added that God hates divorce, and reconciliation is always pleasing to Him.
However, there will always be instances when Idleman thinks divorced Christians who have been abandoned are allowed to love again, all the while maintaining God's integrity, following His principles, and relying on His wisdom.
"God has given us the freedom to choose, and, in marriage, the choices of one will affect the life of the other. If your spouse has left, and you've waited and have done all that you can do biblically, I believe God will consider your heart more than your circumstances," Idleman said.
He stressed that he is not advocating divorce. Christians who have marital issues should always seek reconciliation and restoration first, said Idleman. But when all else fails, they should let God restore their spirits and pray for redemption.
"Many divorced Christians carry years of regret into future relationships. If God is doing a new thing, it's critical that past brokenness not prevent future plans," he said. "But if God is ministering restoration in your spirit, wait for it; contend for it; pray fervently for it. He will direct you. This I know. "
