Biblical Answer

Is divorce permissible when there have been years of chaos from addiction with sporadic violence and frequent verbal expressions of rage? The Bible teaches that God created marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). It is not God's ideal that marriages end in divorce. However, the Bible also acknowledges that divorce can occur due to various reasons, including abandonment and infidelity (Matthew 19:9). When it comes to spousal abuse, the Bible clearly teaches that it is not acceptable and is, in fact, a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The Bible instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and to not be harsh or angry with them (Ephesians 5:25-33).

In the case of addiction with sporadic violence and frequent verbal expressions of rage, the Bible would likely view this as a form of abandonment. The spouse who is struggling with addiction is abandoning their responsibilities and duties as a partner, and the other spouse is left to suffer the consequences. This type of situation can be considered grounds for divorce, especially if the spouse struggling with addiction refuses to seek help and continues to harm their partner. The Bible also teaches that we are to flee from evil and not to tolerate hurt and unforgiveness in our marriages (1 Corinthians 6:18). If the situation is not being resolved through counseling and temporary separation, and the abuse continues, it may be necessary to consider divorce as a last resort.

It's worth noting that the Bible does not condone divorce lightly. In fact, Jesus teaches that divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery or abandonment (Matthew 19:9). The Bible also teaches that we are to forgive our spouses and to work through our differences in a Christ-like manner (Matthew 18:21-22). However, if the situation is not improving and the abuse continues, it may be necessary to consider divorce as a way to protect oneself and to seek help and healing. Ultimately, the decision to divorce should not be taken lightly and should be made with prayer, counseling, and a deep commitment to following God's will.