Does Divorce Equal a Successful Marriage? - Christian Perspective

You can deny it all you want, but pop culture and social media are rewriting the way people think; and yes, it sneaks into the church too.

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” We must diligently meditate on the Word day and night and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading so that we make decisions that glorify God and are wise, building our families and lives on a firm foundation.

So today, I’m here to do a little damage control. Conversations surrounding marriage and divorce are being reframed by society, and we need to ensure that we are pulling from the Word of God instead.

The Reality About Marriage and Divorce

Divorce is not a new topic. Even in Jesus’ day, people asked Him about it.

Matthew 19:3–9 says:

“Some Pharisees came and tried to trap Him with this question: ‘Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?’

‘Haven’t you read the Scriptures?’ Jesus replied. ‘They record that from the beginning God made them male and female.’ And He said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.’

‘Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?’ they asked.

Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. And I tell you this: whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery, unless his wife has been unfaithful.’”

From this Scripture, we see that divorce is not God’s plan. People often act based on their own minds, wills, and emotions, and that is still true today. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, many jump ahead, following their desires, which leads to unnecessary pain and suffering. They may even end up with the right person, but neglect themselves, their marriage, or their relationship with God.

Matthew 19:8 points to a critical reminder: take your marital union seriously. Do not be driven only by desires or feelings. One of the most common reasons cited for divorce is, “I was not happy.” Happiness is fleeting. If you are looking to marriage, career, children, beauty, travel, or money for happiness, you will never find lasting joy because all those things change.

The one thing that never changes is Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” When your foundation is in Him, and you receive the Holy Spirit, one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. When you shift your attention from your circumstances and make Jesus your focus, things in your life begin to change. It is hard, but it is worth it.

If this were truly a priority in people’s lives, I do not believe there would be so many divorces.

Unfortunately, you do not have to look far to see the negativity surrounding marriage today. In the United States, about half of all marriages end in divorce, ranking among the highest rates in the world. Some sources even list it as third. Either way, it is concerning.

Divorce affects not only the couple but also the children, extended family, and society as a whole. Divorce is essentially a form of death, and its consequences can lead to further sin and spiritual oppression.

A study in the Journal of Men’s Health found that divorced men and women suffer higher rates of mortality, depression, illness, and substance abuse compared to those who remain married, even years after the divorce.

And if you think the hurt stops with the two individuals involved, think again.

The National Institutes of Health reviewed nearly three decades of research on family structure and found that children who live with married, biological parents consistently have better physical, emotional, and academic well-being. Their conclusion was clear: society benefits when the family structure is strengthened.

The Celebrity Interview That Sparked Conversation

Recently, I watched an interview featuring a well-known celebrity who described their divorce as a kind of “graduation.”

Yes, a graduation.

Now, I’m not here to judge or speculate about anyone’s personal life. The point is the message being shared publicly. Additionally, this person has a Christian following.

When someone says that divorce equals a successful marriage, it creates confusion, especially for young people or believers who are still forming their views about commitment.

Honestly, I wish more celebrities would keep their relationship struggles private because there is always more to the story. Sharing so much publicly opens the door for misinterpretation and misplaced influence.

After the interview aired, social media was flooded with reactions.

One person said, “A divorce is not a graduation. It’s the result of a failed marriage. That’s okay, but dressing it up as something else isn’t.”

Another commenter wrote, “Don’t put your spouse or marriage in the place of God. Your happiness shouldn’t depend on your partner. I don’t know their story, but I wish them strength. The children will be affected.”

Someone else added, “This sounds like saving face. It’s polished for the cameras, but the truth is probably much harder. She doesn’t owe us an explanation, but divorce shouldn’t be seen as a solution to unhappiness.”

Of course, there were also people who supported the celebrity’s view, saying things like, “She’s putting herself first,” or “It’s okay to start over.”

I get it. People want peace and happiness. But how we define those things matters deeply.

I try to approach these topics with compassion. I genuinely root for marriages to be healthy, strong, and spiritually grounded.

It is painful watching any couple go through divorce, especially when it’s public. Marriage takes work, humility, and God’s grace. Without Him at the center, everything falls out of balance.

But I’ll be honest — that “graduation” analogy didn’t sit right with me. If there is any true graduation, it is the moment we stand before God and hear, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

That is the real goal. That is the kind of validation worth striving for.

The Truth About Divorce

If anyone watched that interview and walked away thinking divorce equals success, please understand, that is not the truth.

Marriage is meant to be a lifelong covenant. Matthew 19:6 says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Separation and divorce carry emotional, spiritual, and generational consequences. That does not mean God cannot redeem, heal, or restore. He absolutely can. But we should not glamorize what God calls us to handle with reverence and responsibility.

Marriage is a beautiful thing when done God’s way. Yes, it is hard, but it becomes even harder when we try to do it without His help.

Please keep that celebrity and their family in your prayers, along with anyone struggling in their marriage or going through a divorce. Our world needs healing, and true healing only comes through Christ.

Let us keep the comments kind and Christ-centered.

What do you think about this? Can divorce ever be seen as a success story, or should it be a lesson learned instead?

Let’s talk about it below.