Marriage is one of the first institutions God created, back in the Garden of Eden. It is not just a contract, but a covenant in which two people promise to love and respect each other and to stay together in joy and in hardship.
One flesh
The Bible describes the unity of marriage like this: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24). Becoming “one flesh” means building a new life together, putting it before other relationships, with a lifelong commitment.
Love modelled on Christ
Paul raises the bar for love in marriage: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). True love gives itself, serves and seeks the good of the other. A healthy marriage is built day by day through respect, forgiveness and time spent together.
For reflection
If you are married, what small act of love could you show your spouse this week? If not, how can you encourage the marriages around you?
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.