When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the lawful cause for one to divorce his wife, they were “testing Him” (Matthew 19:3). This was a controversial topic in their day (as it is today), and they wanted to see how Jesus would answer so they would know who they could turn against Him.
In answering this question, He went back to the beginning when God first established marriage (Matthew 19:4-5). With this as the foundation, He presented them with this conclusion: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). When they questioned Jesus further, He built upon this principle – that God made marriage to be a permanent relationship in which a man and woman are bound together for life.
A lot could be said on this topic – more than could fit in this short article. However, this illustrates a vital point: without understanding foundational principles, we are left on the unsteady ground of human emotions, personal opinions, and deteriorating social norms. This makes us vulnerable to being “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
So start with foundational principles. Whether we are talking about marriage or any other subject addressed in the Scriptures, we need to begin by understanding what God has told us in His word. Only then can we see how to apply the teachings of His word to our lives.