The Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant made before God, not merely a contract based on temporary feelings (Malachi 2:14). While love (defined biblically as sacrificial action and commitment, agape) is commanded within marriage, the ethical foundation for remaining married is the sanctity and permanence of the vow made to God and one's spouse. Remaining in a marriage that lacks emotional love (or phileo) is ethically sound and often necessary, provided the environment is safe, respectful, and not abusive. The Christian's duty is not to wait for love to return, but to actively demonstrate covenant fidelity and work toward recon

Discovering a partner's infidelity is a devastating betrayal, and a Christian's initial reaction should be to lean on God for emotional strength and guidance (Psalm 34:18), not immediate retaliation. The biblical response requires a process that involves lament, decisive action (Matthew 18:15-17), and a reliance on the Gospel's power to either forgive or justly separate. While the option for divorce is biblically permitted in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), the primary call is to seek holiness, truth, and genuine repentance for the preservation of the soul and the family.

While the Bible does not use the term "co-parenting," it provides clear principles for divorced Christians: seek peace (Romans 12:18), prioritize the child's well-being (Proverbs 22:6), and act with justice and forgiveness toward the former spouse. The focus must shift from the failed marriage to the shared responsibility of raising godly children (Malachi 2:15-16).

Is divorce permissible for a Christian? Jesus upheld the ideal of lifelong marriage but allowed for the exception of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). The Apostle Paul added the exception of desertion by an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 7:15).