Sadly according to today’s research, the divorce rate in America is anywhere from 40-50 percent for first marriages and even staggering higher percentage for second and third marriages. And unfortunately recent studies have shown that Christian marriages have about the same failure rate as non-Christian marriages.
From the beginning of time God has had a plan for marriage. His plan is simple, that husbands and wives should love and respect each other. Recognize each others strengths and weakness and build each other up with encouragement.
Genesis 2:18 (NIV) The Lord God said “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helper for him.”
God had formed both men and women to perform various tasks, with all of these tasks leading to the same goal———– Honoring God!
Even though each role carries exclusive privileges it does not make one greater or less than the other.
God gave Adam and Eve marriage as a gift and he made them perfect for each other. Marriage was not created by some cultural practice or simply for convenience. But from the beginning of time it was designed and created by God.
A strong biblical marriage contains these three basic aspects
1. A man leaves his parents and in a public act makes a promise to God and his Wife to devote himself to her until death.
Genesis 2:24 (NIV) says “For this reason a man will leave his Father and Mother and be untied to his wife, and the two will become on flesh”
2. The man and woman will be joined together by taking responsibility for each others welfare and by loving each other above all others.
Ephesians 5:25(NIV) says “Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her”
3. And lastly a husband and wife shall become one flesh in intimacy and commitment that is reserved only for marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NIV) says “(3)The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife and like wise the wife to the husband.(4) The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body belong to him alone but also to his wife. (5) Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self control.”
Many marriages are successful. Many are not. Having your marriage based on a Christian foundation can increase the chances of it being successful and long lasting by leaps and bounds. Again, as we know marriage is not easy but incorporating Christian principles on a regular basis can make those difficult times become much easier.
Is Your Christian Marriage In Need Of A Little Tune-Up?
