Some might say that marriage is a human construct, a social convention created by man. But let us look to the Bible for guidance.
Origin of Marriage:
In Genesis 2:23-24, we read: "The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man.' That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
This passage describes the union between Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created by God. Their marriage was a beautiful and holy union, blessed by God Himself. As Adam exclaimed, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23), he recognized Eve as a part of him, and they became one flesh.
Here, we see God's divine plan for marriage, instituted by Him as a sacred union between a man and woman. This passage highlights the unity, intimacy, and oneness that characterize marriage as God intended. As Jesus reaffirms in Matthew 19:4-6, "Haven't you read...that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."
This first marriage in the Bible sets the precedent for all future marriages, illustrating the sacred bond between a husband and wife. Here, we see that marriage is not a human invention, but a divine institution ordained by God. He created Adam and Eve as complementary partners, bringing them together in a sacred union. Marriage is a covenant between a man, a woman, and God, established to reflect His love and design.
A godly marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, where a man and woman come together in a lifelong commitment, reflecting Christ's love for His church. It is a union built on mutual love, respect, trust, and submission to one another, as commanded in Ephesians 5:22-33.
Consequences of a God-ordained marriage include:
1. Spiritual growth: As husband and wife support each other in their walk with God, they encourage each other to deepen their faith.
2. Emotional intimacy: A godly marriage fosters a safe and loving environment for emotional vulnerability and connection.
3. Physical intimacy: A healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship, as God intended, brings joy and unity to the couple.
4. Family legacy: A godly marriage serves as a foundation for raising children, teaching them God's ways, and building a godly heritage.
5. Societal impact: A strong, godly marriage serves as a witness to the world of God's love and design for marriage. Remember, beloved, that God's plan for marriage is a beautiful and redemptive institution.
When we deviate from God's plan, we invite consequences into our lives and relationships.
In Genesis 2:24, God says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This original design for marriage is beautiful and sacred.
However, when we distort God's plan, symptoms emerge:
- Confusion and redefinition of gender roles
- Disrespect and lack of submission to one another
- Selfishness and absence of sacrificial love
- Emotional and spiritual disconnection
- Broken families and generational trauma
Consequences of distorting God's design for marriage include:
- Broken relationships and divorce
- Pain and heartache for all parties involved
- Children suffering from lack of stability
- Culture normalizing sin and rebellion against God
- Spiritual decay and distance from God.
Truth and Transparency in marriage:
The Bible teaches us that marriage is a sacred institution, a union between two people that should be built on trust, love, and mutual respect. However, when we hide the truth about our past, our present, or our very identity, we undermine the foundation of this sacred institution.
In Proverbs 10:9, we read, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." When we hide our sinful past, our criminal history, or our true identity, we take crooked paths and risk destroying the trust and bond that is essential to a healthy marriage.
In Psalm 101:2-3, David says, "I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing." As believers, we are called to lead a blameless life, to be honest and transparent about our thoughts, words, and actions.
Hiding about criminal past, psychological disorders or serious Health issue that impacts the other spouse and their future or any other aspect of our life that is significant to the marriage relationship is a fraudulent marriage. It's important to remember that marriage is a covenant between two people, and a covenant requires honesty, trust and transparency.
Let us remember that God is a God of truth and light, and He desires truth and honesty in all our relationships, especially in marriage. May we strive to walk in integrity, honesty and transparency in our marriages, and may we seek God's guidance and healing if we find ourselves in fraudulent unions. God doesn’t bind such fraudulent marriages which is built on the foundation of lies. Let us return to God's original plan for marriage, seeking His healing and restoration. May we honor and uphold the sacredness of marriage as a reflection of Christ's love for His church. Amen
