Matthew 19:3-12

3Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, “Can a man divorce his wife for any reason?”

4Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read that the Creator made them male and female in the beginning

5and that he said, ‘That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one’?

6So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don’t let anyone separate what God has joined together.”

7The Pharisees asked him, “Why, then, did Moses order a man to give his wife a written notice to divorce her?”

8Jesus answered them, “Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you’re heartless. It was never this way in the beginning.

9I can guarantee that whoever divorces his wife for any reason other than her unfaithfulness is committing adultery if he marries another woman.”

10The disciples said to him, “If that is the only reason a man can use to divorce his wife, it’s better not to get married.”

11He answered them, “Not everyone can do what you suggest. Only those who have that gift can.

12For example, some men are celibate because they were born that way. Others are celibate because they were castrated. Still others have decided to be celibate because of the kingdom of heaven. If anyone can do what you’ve suggested, then he should do it.”