Divorce

The sanctity of marriage and families is taught repeatedly in the scriptures. It has been reaffirmed by modern prophets and apostles. Despite the truths taught about the sanctity of marriage, divorce has become commonplace in the world. Because the family is central to Heavenly Father’s plan for His children, Satan seeks to destroy marriages and families. Because of the poor choices and selfishness of one or both marriage partners, marriages sometimes end in contention, separation, and divorce.

If, instead of resorting to divorce, each individual will seek the comfort and well-being of his or her spouse, couples will grow in love and unity.  The gospel of Jesus Christ—including repentance, forgiveness, integrity, and love—provides the remedy for conflict in marriage.

Those who have caused a divorce through their own poor choices can repent and be forgiven. Those whose marriages have failed because of what others have done can receive strength and comfort from the Lord, who promised: ”Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. . . . For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28, 30).

See also Charity; Family; Love; Marriage; Temples

• "Mending Our Marriage"

  Ensign, Oct. 1996, 44–51
  Latter-day Saint couples who have chosen to work through marital problems rather than to divorce share their experiences in using the gospel for guidance.

• "What God Hath Joined Together"

  Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1991, 71–74
  There must be recognition on the part of both husband and wife of the solemnity and sanctity of marriage and of the God-given design behind it.

• "A Marriage to Last through Eternity"

  Theodore M. Burton, Ensign, June 1987, 12–15
  Divorce is usually a no-win option and can seldom be relied on as a solution to marital problems.

• "Marriage and Divorce"

  David B. Haight, Ensign, May 1984, 12–14
  If couples understood from the beginning of their romance that their marriage relationship could be blessed with promises and conditions extending into the eternities, divorce would not even be a considered alternative when difficulties arise.

• "A Lasting Marriage"

  Robert L. Simpson, Ensign, May 1982, 21–23
  There needs to be a more universal understanding about the eternal nature of the marriage covenant.

• "The Enriching of Marriage"

  James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1977, 9–11
  We build our marriages with endless friendship, confidence, integrity, and by administering and sustaining each other in our difficulties.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Divorce"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• Articles on Divorce

  Provident Living Web Site

• "Divorce"

  Divorce
  (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

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