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Marriage is one of the oldest and most sacred institutions mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Throughout the biblical texts, God speaks to the hearts of the faithful about the deep meaning of marriage, offering guidelines, advice and promises for those who choose to unite their lives under this sacred covenant. 

What God says about marriage

At the heart of Sacred Scripture, we find countless passages that illuminate God's understanding of marriage. This sublime sacrament, seen through the eyes of faith, is much more than a mere social convention or a contract between two parties. It is, according to divine design, a sacred covenant, a perpetual vow that mirrors God's unconditional love for humanity.

1. The Divine Foundation of Marriage

From the beginning, marriage was instituted by God. In the book of Genesis, it is said that "it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18). The creation of Eve as a companion for Adam establishes marriage as a divinely ordained union, designed for complementarity and companionship. This reflects God's desire for us not to live in isolation, but in intimate communion with another human being.

2. Marriage as a Covenant

In the Bible, marriage is often portrayed as a covenant, not just a contract between two parties. In Malachi 2:14, marriage is described as "the covenant of your youth", emphasizing its sacred and binding character. God sees marriage as a serious and lasting commitment, where fidelity and mutual dedication are imperative. This covenant reflects God's own unshakeable relationship with His people.

3. Love, Respect and Submission

Ephesians 5:22-33 offers one of the most profound teachings on marriage, instructing husbands to love their wives "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her", and wives to respect their husbands. This text not only establishes sacrificial love as the basis of Christian marriage, but also emphasizes the importance of mutual submission and respect. The love described here is active, patient, gentle and devoid of selfishness - a reflection of God's love for us.

4. Unity and Common Purpose

Marriage is also a journey of unity and common purpose. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, it is pointed out that "two are better than one", as they have a better reward for their work. Marital union is not only for the emotional or physical benefit of the spouses, but also to fulfill greater purposes together, whether they are raising children, serving the community or glorifying God through their lives.

5. Forgiveness and Growth

You can't talk about marriage without recognizing the inevitability of challenges and conflicts. Colossians 3:13 teaches: "Bear with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive". Forgiveness is fundamental in marriage, enabling couples to overcome obstacles and grow together in faith and love.

6. Marriage as a Mirror of Divine Love

Finally, marriage is a mirror of divine love. The relationship between Christ and the Church is often used as an analogy for Christian marriage, where unconditional love, sacrifice and surrender are central. By living these principles in their marriage, couples reflect God's love to the world, bearing witness to His grace and mercy.

Reflection

Reflecting on what God says about marriage leads us to recognize the seriousness and beauty of this covenant. In a world where commitment is often seen as disposable, the Scriptures call us to look at marriage as a sacred vocation, rooted in love, respect and fidelity.

In doing so, we not only honor God and His designs for our lives, but we also find true joy and satisfaction in the shared journey of marriage.

Marriage, therefore, as outlined in Scripture, is a divinely instituted adventure, full of challenges, joys and opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. 

By committing to live according to biblical principles, we can expect to experience a relationship that not only survives, but thrives, reflecting God's love and glory to the world. May each couple strive to incorporate these truths into their married life, always seeking God as the foundation of their relationship.

See also: God in the Details: How to Recognize the Divine Presence in Your Life

March 4th, 2024