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What Does God Say About Marriage?

Let us begin by pointing out that marriage did not originate with man. It was created as an institution 'for' man, by 'God'. It is to be viewed as a holy union of two persons to become 'one'. If something is holy it cannot be considered a mistake, for God does not make mistakes. Society today is quick to view marriage as a temporary contract. But let us take a look at what God's Word teaches...

* Marriage is God's Idea*~ In Genesis 2:18-24 we find, "The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."...But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made woman from the rib He had taken out of man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called 'woman' for she was taken out of man," For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

* Commitment is Essential to a Successful Marriage*~ When Isaac took Rebekah as his wife under God's direct orders, he was then to set upon his journey at hand. Her family pleaded with him to let Rebekah spend ten more days with them. When Rebekah was confronted to make this decision, she chose to go with her husband. Too often in the world today spouses choose family, friends or lifestyles ahead of their mate. We would be wise to follow Rebekah's example.

*Romance is Important*~ Make time for romance and plan for it. Many times people take this for granted, assuming it will occur spontaneously. This is not necessarily so, with today's busy schedules it is important to make room for this significant role in the marriage. In Song of Songs we see Solomon romancing his wife-"You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!" (Chapter 4, v.9&10)

*Marriage Holds Times of Great Joy*~ The heart-to-heart conversations, the secluded walks, your first home, the birth of your first child...there are many moments in marriage than can offer us joy. Don't let your relationship be focused upon the hardships of life. "...there will beheard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom..."-Jeremiah 33:10&11

*Unfaithfulness Breaks the Bond of Trust, the Foundation of All Relationships*~ Cheating on a mate can bring heavy consequences. Before embarking upon this poor decision, take into regard what God had/has planned for your life with your mate. Looking through God's eyes and not your own can make a world of difference, for He see's what we cannot. Trust God in helping you make wise choices and to study His Word. Jesus taught-"But I tell you anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." (Matthew 5:32)

*Marriage is Permanent*~ America is swift today in calling it quits when it comes the their marriage and even swifter filing for divorce. The vows we made in front of God on our wedding day are easily resolved with a judge and piece of paper. Jesus taught against this type of behavior-"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man seperate." God said it Himself. He was the One who brought the marriage together...who is man to seperate this?

*Ideally, Only Death Should Resolve Marriage*~ In Romans 7:2&3 it is instructed-"...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 tht law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man."

*Marriage is Based on the Principle Practice of Love, Not on Feelings*~ "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands out to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." "...each one of you also must love his wife as he love himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:21-33) The main point here is not to let your feelings at the moment get caught up with what God has planned for your life and marriage.

*Marriage is a Living Symbol of Christ and Church*~ This is reflected from the verse- "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." and also in verse 32 of Ephesians-"This is a profound mystery---but I am talking about Christ and the Church." as Paul describes how the two will become flesh.

*Marriage is Good and Honorable*~ The Book of Hebrew claims-"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (13:4) Marriage is to be respected. We are not to take lightly this union brought together by God's Hand.

We can all learn alot by practicing what is taught in the Bible and heeding God's advice. Many lives and marriages have been turned around for the glory of God once these guidelines were understood and applied. If you or somebody you know are having problems in their marriage, I would recommend God's Word as counselor--His Word being the Bible. Begin by getting yourself right with God and accepting Jesus into your heart, then you will begin to see His Hand working in your life.

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