Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment, it’s two people choosing to build a life together as one. From a Christian perspective, it is a covenant established by God, not something to be entered into lightly or abandoned easily. While the Bible recognises that divorce can happen, it was never intended to be the goal or the first solution when difficulties arise.
Yet in today’s world, separation has become increasingly common. Couples may part ways due to unfaithfulness, constant conflict, emotional or physical harm, or simply because they believe the love has faded. Whatever the reason, divorce is rarely straightforward. It brings emotional pain and lasting consequences, particularly for children.
Divorce continues to be a reality for many British families. The Office for National Statistics shows that over 100,000 divorces took place in England and Wales in 2023, despite fewer people choosing to marry overall. According to Mediate UK, 42% of marriages eventually end in divorce. This shows that while marriage rates have declined, family breakdown remains widespread.
The UK government estimates that around 4 million children are living in separated families, where parents no longer live together. In many cases, these children are under 18 and still dependent on their parents for emotional stability, guidance, and financial support.
Although shared parenting is encouraged, it is not always achieved equally. Many children still grow up primarily in one household, with reduced day-to-day contact with the other parent.
Children often experience divorce very differently from adults. Even when parents believe they are shielding them from conflict, children are aware of the changes in their family environment.
Children of separated parents are more likely to face:
The Bible allows for divorce in certain circumstances, but it is clear that it should be a last resort, not a first response. Reconciliation, forgiveness, counselling, and genuine effort to repair the relationship should always be pursued where possible. The only clear exception is when a spouse’s physical or emotional safety is at risk — abuse is never acceptable.
The Bible makes strong statements about God’s view of divorce, not to shame or condemn, but to underline how seriously He values marriage and the promises made within it.
Children are also described in the Bible as a gift from the Lord and an inheritance entrusted to parents. Therefore, marriage and family life are not disposable. They are sacred institutions worth protecting and nurturing. While not every marriage can be saved, couples are encouraged to fight for unity wherever possible.
It is often said that prevention is better than cure, which is why we hold the Love Therapy Seminars every Thursday at 8pm. We warmly invite you to join us as we explore what it means to love intelligently in order to build strong, healthy relationships that reflect God’s design.
Event: The Love Therapy Seminars
Day and time: Every Thursday at 8pm
Location: The Cathedral of Miracles, Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3NX (outside London via conference)
Sources:
https://www.mediateuk.co.uk/divorce-rate-uk/
https://www.cplaw.co.uk/insights/divorce-and-the-effects-on-children/
