Divorce & Remarriage

While marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity, divorce is one of the most painful and destructive realities—for all who are involved. Below are a number of resources to help you or someone you love through this experience. But more important than reading these books is finding ongoing support in your local church (particularly from your pastor) and seeking out a Christian counselor. If you don’t have a local church, make it a priority to find one. The resources at the bottom of the page will help you think about divorce and remarriage from a biblical perspective.

Desperate Marriages by Gary Chapman (1 or 2): The author helps us understand many of the destructive patterns in marriage, such as a spouse’s irresponsibility, workaholism, and abuse (whether verbal or physical). If your spouse is pulling away from you or has already done so, this book will name the behaviors for what they are and encourage you to seek help.

*Experiencing Divorce by H. Norman Wright (1): At less than 100 pages, this book provides a brief yet thorough overview of the process of divorce, including various chapters on emotional responses (such as anger, depression, and fear), and learning to move on.

When Happily Ever After Shatters by Sue Birdseye (1): The author begins by telling the heart-wrenching story of her own “ambush by adultery,” which led to her divorce and becoming a single parent. For those struggling with one or both of those realities, Birdseye offers wise, realistic, hope-filled advise. “Look to God” is her central message.

*Marriage and the Family by Andreas Köstenberger with David W. Jones (3) and the longer version (4) of this book—both of these resources have excellent chapters that summarize what the Bible teaches about divorce and remarriage.