Christian Marriage

Marriage is one of the most sophisticated forms of relationship; it is a mystery. While its purpose and meaning may seem straightforward, the complexities of marriage run deeper than we often realize. In the context of Christian teachings, marriage is not simply an evolution of relationships; it is a covenant established according to our Creator's perfect knowledge and divine plan.

At its core, marriage represents the most intimate bond between a man and a woman. The Scriptures depict this union as two distinct personalities of the opposite sex coming together to become one flesh. This profound connection encompasses various dimensions: a friendship, a fellowship, and a partnership characterized by sexual, spiritual, and emotional intimacy. Marriage is designed to be pure and honorable, reflecting the true purpose of a family—a nurturing environment where love and honor flourish, allowing children to grow into maturity.

“Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

When a marriage lacks these essential characteristics, the entire family can suffer. Conversely, when both husband and wife grasp the divine purpose of their marriage and strive to live by it, the benefits extend beyond their household, positively impacting the surrounding community as well.

Children from supportive families tend to achieve greater success in school. They learn to respect others, leading to the formation of long-lasting friendships. This strong sense of community fosters an environment where neighbors care for one another, resulting in lower crime rates and a more peaceful coexistence.

In these families, wives thrive on the sacrificial love they receive from their husbands, while husbands excel in their careers, bolstered by their wives' respect and encouragement. Husbands model their love after Christ, who gave himself for the church, and in turn, wives honor their husbands as the church honors Christ.

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;” Ephesians 5:22-25

Husbands and wives communicate openly and honestly, ensuring they do not hide anything from each other. They work hard to understand and meet each other’s needs, always aligning their actions with Scripture. Through this process, they sharpen one another, like iron sharpens iron, and learn to communicate constructively. They choose their words carefully and speak the truth with love. 

However, every marriage faces significant challenges from the media and the prevailing corrupt culture. Those influenced by darkness use various tactics to ridicule and undermine families. False teachers spread lies about marriage, mock its significance, and attack Christian values!

Marriages built on unstable foundations—such as politics, wealth, deception, or lust—are prone to struggle and can quickly fall apart. Yet, those who remain faithful and committed to one another thrive in all aspects of life. This resilience stems from the understanding that marriage is a sacred covenant involving three parties: a man, a woman, and our Creator.

No couple enters marriage fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Marriage is a journey that cultivates a new, sacrificial character, transforming our perspective from “self-centeredness” to “selflessness.” Many of us grow up believing that the world revolves around us, and our upbringing often teaches us little about cooperating with others. However, upon entering marriage, we encounter a new reality that challenges our long-held beliefs and expectations. This union reveals our flaws and provides an opportunity for growth and maturity!

Consider mirrors—they reflect everything they see without exaggeration or concealment. They are impartial; they neither love nor hate anyone. Instead, they present us with an honest reflection, laying bare our imperfections without pretense. Despite their candidness, we look into mirrors daily, appreciating their role in helping us identify and address our blemishes!

When entering marriage, we bring a host of imperfections with us. As these flaws surface, we face a critical choice: we can either cast blame or choose to unite with our spouse, acknowledging our wrongdoings, supporting one another, and learning from our experiences together.

Embracing true and sacrificial love is the foundation of a successful marriage. For those committed to following Christ, prayer and the pursuit of wisdom provide insight into the mysteries of marital life. As partners, we both suffer when we prioritize our preferences over our spouses' needs. Conversely, when we love our spouse as we love ourselves—or even more—our lives flourish, bringing us comfort and joy. This reflects the profound truth in Scripture: “They shall become one flesh.”

In any marriage, couples may unintentionally hurt each other with words or actions. In an ungodly marriage, partners often point fingers and blame when challenges arise. In contrast, a godly marriage operates differently. Here, couples are willing to acknowledge their faults and offer sincere apologies. They approach home as a sanctuary, ready to serve one another despite the day's difficulties. While an ungodly marriage may keep a record of grievances, a godly one is characterized by respectful communication, the sharing of feelings, and a commitment to forgiveness.

Each day, Christian couples cultivate a thankful heart through worship, leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit and the strength of prayer. When parents pray for their children and loved ones, they invite God's protection and grace into their lives!

Please click on "Expressions of Faith" to continue.

Questions: 

1. Marriage is a mystery. 
2. When we change our focus from “Self-centeredness” to “Selflessness,” we care for our spouses as much as for ourselves.