God's teachings about divorce in the Bible emphasize that divorce is generally discouraged because God intends marriage to be a lifelong union. However, divorce is permitted in specific circumstances. Jesus taught that from the beginning, God created marriage as a permanent bond, and no one should separate what God has joined (Matthew 19:6). The Old Testament book of Malachi reflects God's strong displeasure with divorce except in cases where the husband does not love his wife and divorces her unjustly (Malachi 2:16).

The two biblically recognized grounds for divorce are sexual immorality, specifically adultery (Matthew 19:9), and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15). Jesus allowed divorce in the case of adultery because it breaks the marriage covenant deeply and causes great harm. Another allowance is desertion when the unbelieving spouse leaves, as the believing spouse is not bound to stay in such a situation.

While divorce is allowed in these cases, God calls for forgiveness and reconciliation as much as possible, highlighting that divorce should not be taken lightly but is a concession to human sinfulness and hardness of heart (Matthew 19:8). God’s intention remains that husbands and wives live in unity and equality, reflecting His design for marriage (Genesis 1:27).

In summary, God says divorce is not His ideal, but He permits it primarily in cases of adultery and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, always with a call to mercy, forgiveness, and the possibility of reconciliation when feasible.

This reflects the comprehensive biblical perspective on divorce and marriage.