Christian Marriage

Marriage is one of the most sophisticated types of relationships. It is a mystery! Its purpose and meaning may seem easy to understand, but it's more complicated than we think! Christian Marriage is certainly not an evolution of a relationship. It's a covenant established according to our Creator's perfect knowledge and plan. Marriage is the most intimate bond between a man and a woman. The Scriptures describe it as these two people with distinct personalities and opposite sex uniting into one flesh.

“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

Marriage is a friendship, a fellowship, a sexual, spiritual, and emotional intimacy. It’s pure and honorable. It is designed to reflect the very purpose of a family where there is true love and respect and a place where the children grow into maturity.

When a marriage lacks those characteristics, the whole family suffers. But, when the husband and wife understand the divine purpose of marriage and live accordingly, their families and even the surrounding communities thrive.

Children of such families are more successful in school. In addition, they have respect for everyone and, therefore, make long-lasting friendships. As a result, neighbors care for each other, the crime rate drops, and people of their community live peacefully.

Wives prosper with sacrificial love received from their husbands. Husbands succeed in their careers with the respect and support of their wives. Husbands love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life to save her. 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 truthfully and don’t hide anything from each other. They work hard and learn to understand and provide for each other’s needs as long as they don’t contradict the Scriptures. They sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron and learn to communicate constructively. They choose their words and speak the truth lovingly. 

However, every marriage faces heavy attacks from the media and the corrupt culture of this world. Evil-doers with the power of darkness use every possible trick to ridicule and destroy families. False teachers spread lies about marriage, make fun of it and attack Christian values. On the other hand, those who get married based on politics, wealth, deception, or sexual lust don’t get along well and separate quickly. But those who remain faithful succeed in every aspect of life because marriage is a covenant between three parties; a man, a woman, and our Creator!

No couple walks into marriage knowing all its challenges. Marriage builds a new and sacrificial character, changing our view from “Self-centeredness” to “Selflessness.” Most of us, since our childhood, grow up acting as if the whole world spins around us. What we learn during our upbringing doesn’t necessarily teach us to cooperate with others. We wake up to a new reality when we get married. We face a new world that challenges everything we used to believe. Marriage allows us to see how broken we are and helps us mature!

Considering mirrors, they reflect everything they see! Mirrors don’t exaggerate facts, nor do they cover them up. Because they don’t love or hate anyone! Instead, they show us exactly how we look, even when they reveal our imperfections without hypocrisy! Even so, we all look into mirrors every day and love them without exception! This is because mirrors help us see and remove our blemishes!

We enter marriage with a surplus of iniquities! And when our impurities come out, we have two choices, either to shift the blame or team up with our spouse, admit our wrongdoings, support each other, and learn from it.

Embracing true and sacrificial love is the first thing we learn in marriage. Those committed to following Christ pray and gain wisdom in understanding the mysteries of marriage. When we value our preferences more than our spouses’ needs, both suffer! But when we love our spouse like ourselves or even more, our lives flourish, and we find comfort and joy! Then we realize the Scriptures that say, “They shall become one flesh.”

Couples may occasionally and unintentionally hurt each other through words or actions. In an ungodly marriage, spouses point fingers and blame each other when things go wrong. But in a godly marriage, things work differently. They dare to admit their wrongdoings and apologize. They come home to serve each other regardless of unfavorable situations and challenges of that day. In an ungodly marriage that lacks divine love, they keep account and hold grudges. In a godly marriage, they communicate respectfully, share feelings, drop charges, and maintain a positive and forgiving spirit.

Every day, with a thankful heart, Christian couples worship the Lord and lean on the power of the Holy Spirit and prayers. And when parent prays for their children and loved ones, God’s protection comes upon them!

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.