“But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 7:39
Bible Verses About Widows Remarrying
The Right to Remarry
Widows have the freedom to remarry as expressed in various scriptures. The Bible acknowledges that a widow can choose to marry again after the passing of her husband. It emphasizes the importance of marrying a believer, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s will. This is important as marrying someone who shares our faith can lead to a joyful and supportive relationship founded on shared values. We are reminded that love and companionship can continue beyond the loss of a spouse, bringing healing and hope into our lives.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 7:39
Romans 7:2-3
“For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.” – Romans 7:2-3
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.” – 1 Timothy 5:14
Luke 2:36-37
“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:36-37
Matthew 22:30
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” – Matthew 22:30
God’s Compassion for Widows
As we read scripture, we see God’s heart towards widows revealing His compassion and care. Widows are often mentioned in the Bible as those who face vulnerability and loneliness. It is a reminder to us that the Lord is concerned for them and actively cares for their needs. We can take comfort in knowing God has a place for widows within His love. It encourages us to be compassionate and supportive towards those who are grieving and need encouragement to move forward in their lives, possibly even to remarry with the hope of the future.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” – Psalm 146:9
Exodus 22:22
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.” – Exodus 22:22
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Lamentations 3:34-35
“The Lord does not overlook the rights of the poor; He does not deprive the widow or orphan of justice.” – Lamentations 3:34-35
Marriage, a Covenant
In God’s eyes, marriage is more than just a relationship; it is a sacred covenant between two individuals and Him. Therefore, when widows consider remarrying, it is significant that they recognize the gravity of this commitment. A marriage formed with faith at the center paves the way for a loving bond established on mutual respect and shared beliefs. We can learn from the covenant of marriage how relationships should reflect God’s faithfulness and love, even after the loss of a spouse.
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” – Malachi 2:14
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” – Hebrews 13:4
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” – Colossians 3:18-19
Encouragement for Healing
The journey of healing from loss can be both challenging and necessary for widows contemplating remarriage. Encouragement can be found in God’s Word as we read about His promise of comfort and restoration. We can take heart, knowing that we are not alone in our pain, and healing is a part of His plan for us. As widows seek new relationships, it’s essential that they embrace hope and allow themselves to heal completely, fostering an open heart for love again.
Psalms 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Psalms 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalms 147:3
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Wisdom in Choosing a Partner
Widows contemplating remarriage must seek God’s wisdom in choosing a partner. Making a wise decision can greatly impact their future, relational happiness, and spiritual growth. The Word encourages us to seek God earnestly, asking for guidance and discernment in finding someone who will walk alongside us in faith. We should also consider qualities that reflect God’s character, which will help establish a strong, God-honoring relationship. It is wise to stay vigilant and be prayerful when entering into a new relationship following the loss of a spouse.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” – 1 Peter 4:7
Psalms 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
Spiritual Renewal and Growth
Widows welcoming the idea of remarriage can also recognize this opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. We can grow closer to God in this season of life as we explore loved ones’ memories and channels of hope. Embracing our journey allows us to form a deeper connection with God and become equipped for new relationships. As we tune into God’s voice and seek His ways, we will begin to see how love can blossom again, fostering a renewed spirit and vibrant faith in the process.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Colossians 3:1
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses about widows remarrying, we see a constant theme of love, hope, and renewed life. The freedom to remarry after the loss of a spouse brings comfort and can lead to healing. It is encouraging to recognize that God’s compassion covers all, especially widows who may feel vulnerable or alone. The Bible continuously teaches us the importance of making wise choices in relationships, anchored in faith and mutual respect.
Finding companionship after loss is not solely about filling an emptiness, but about embracing the beauty of healing and growth in God. We must take time to explore our spaces of grief and eventual restoration, assuring ourselves that God walks with us every step of the way. Our shared stories of love can continue beyond our past losses, opening pathways to joyful tomorrows. Should you wish to learn more about companionship in scripture and lessons in relationships, I encourage you to explore additional insightful lessons such as the significance of Ruth in her story and the teachings of Jesus on marriage.
Let us continue to trust in God’s perfect plans and support one another on this uplifting path of love, faith, and renewal.
Feel free to explore more topics such as Ruth’s impactful journey and Jesus’ teachings on marriage.