I recently received a request to write about a broken marriage and the challenges of promiscuity. Let me begin by sharing God’s view on marriage, starting in Genesis, followed by Apostle Pauls’s teachings throughout the New Testament—the holy union between an adult man and woman. In Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve and establishes the first marriage talks. Yahweh declares that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Jesus affirms this teaching in the New Testament when asked about divorce. He states that God’s intention from the beginning was for marriage to be a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6).
In the new testament, Apostle Paul prioritizes marriage while instructing husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church while wives submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22-33). Across the board, the Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred union designed by God to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
Marriage separation, the marriage bed, adultery, and divorce are all complex and sensitive issues addressed in the Bible. In cases of adultery, as explicitly stated in Matthew 5:32, divorce is permitted. There are numerous other scriptures throughout the Old and New Testaments that confirm other reasons for divorce, like slavery, abuse, etc. It is important to note that separation should not be taken lightly and only be considered in extreme cases where reconciliation is impossible. The marriage bed is also a sacred part of marriage, as stated in Hebrews 13:4. Adultery is a violation of the marriage covenant and is condemned in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 20:14 and Proverbs 6:32. Ultimately, it is crucial to seek guidance from God and wise counsel in navigating these sensitive issues.
Promiscuity, on the other hand, has firm lines which apply to the single and Married. But let’s be clear, separated is not single. The Union of marriage is still intact, so it’s important to know that under no circumstances is intimacy with any person condoned by God.
Promiscuity, or sexual activity with multiple partners outside of marriage, is condemned by God. The Bible teaches that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 7:2). Engaging in sexual activity outside of these bounds is a sin that leads to a life separated from God in hell. This bold truth must be adhered to because the consequences are eternal, while sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional harm add to the spiritual trauma. As followers of Christ Jesus, it is up to individuals to make choices that align with Father’s values and teachings.
Temptation is a common struggle many people face, regardless of their marital status, but God helps there too. One well-known verse on this topic is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear; when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out to endure it.” Jesus is our strength and support to resist and overcome it.
Jesus also promises us that when we repent, he will forgive us. In Matthew 6:14-15, he also instructs us to forgive those who have sinned against us so that our own sins may be forgiven. Forgiveness can be difficult when we have been hurt, but through Jesus’ example and guidance, we can find strength.
Let’s be clear that immorality consists of more than sexual activity with another man or woman, pornography, and indecent relationships with the opposite sex. Indeed if you go to anyone outside your spouse to carry on marital unions, whether sexual, lustful, heartfelt council, or “close” friendly advice that takes away from the trust and closeness with your husband or wife, it is adultery.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh. On a woman to lust after her hath committed. Adultery with her already in his heart.”—Matthew 5:27–28
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christine’s Cornerstone
Featured Image by Isi Parente on Unsplash
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