One of the most problematic relationships of all mankind is the marriage relationship. It has caused untold grief to men, women and children alike. It has fragmented society and is the scourge of humanity. This was not the original plan of God. We were meant to live in love and unity and have a blessed union. By abiding by God’s word, we can smoothly circumnavigate through our marriages. Here are 7 scripture references from ESV Bible.
Togetherness equals companionship
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
When we have God in the centre of our marriage, it is like a threefold cord that cannot be easily broken.
Agreement
Matthew 18:19 say, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Being on one-page equals having the same agenda. Agreement implies unity and where there is unity, God commands a blessing.
Action and consequences
Ephesians 5:22-24 says, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”
Submit means acquiesce, concur and agree. This is to synchronise and walk together in harmony.
Ephesians 5:25-26 says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.”
Love implies showing affection, tenderness and friendship. Your wife should be your best friend. You both are a complement to each other, not competition.
1 Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
By showing understanding, you are being considerate, supportive and appreciative of your wife. She doesn’t want a million dollars, instead she want you!
Love conquers all
1 Corinthians 13 is commonly known as the love chapter. There are great gems contained in the 13 verses. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
There are 15 gems in these 55 words. Imagine one person wearing 15 jewels – how radiant they would look!
The importance of the armour of God
Ephesians 6:12-13 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Like every country has security forces to protect its citizens, every marriage needs an angelic army to safeguard its frontiers. You can read about the armour of God in Ephesians 6:13-18. ◊
Linda Pearl
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