Friday, December 06, 2013

Biblical Marriage (Ephesians 5:31-33)


Today's scripture: Ephesians 5:31-33

Marriage is far from a sacred covenant these days. Many people enter the “state of holy matrimony” with the thought that if it doesn’t work out, then they’ll just end marriage A and move on to marriage B. In fact, I read a while ago about “starter marriages.” Kind of like a starter home.

This was never, ever God’s intent. Marriage is a covenant relationship, a “usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement.” It is not meant to be broken. When a man and a woman join together, they become “one flesh.” One flesh. A former pastor of mine used to illustrate this by gluing two pieces of paper together. Yes, you could separate the two, but not without seriously damaging each page.

Even more importantly, marriage on earth represents Christ’s relationship with His church. Nothing can separate those of us who follow Him from our Lord and Savior (Romans 8:37-39).

And just as nothing can separate Christ from His bride, nothing should separate a married couple. The Bible only gives two “reasons” for divorce: infidelity (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) or if a believer’s unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:11-15). And this is just my opinion, but I would add an implied third reason: domestic abuse. Physical, emotional, and mental abuse doesn’t equate with loving one’s spouse as Christ loves His church.

We Christians need to get back to God’s word regarding marriage, with husbands loving their wives and wives respecting (and loving too!) their husbands.

No comments: