Marriage can be challenging when a partner has a history of:
* Abuse
* Addiction
* Serious mental illness
* Criminal past
* Secrets
* Lack of love or care
* Irresponsibility or unaccountability
* Pathological lying
* Cold-heartedness or lack of empathy
* Violence or aggression
* Arrogance
* Psychological issues
* Poor morals or attitudes
* Harmful addictions
* Unbelief or differing values . In such situations, marriage can be especially difficult.
Recognizing the Signs of a God-Ordained Marriage.
Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, and recognizing the signs of a God-ordained marriage can bring joy, peace, and fulfillment to couples. In this article, we will explore the biblical symptoms that indicate a marriage is truly blessed by God.
1. Shared Spiritual Values:
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
A God-ordained marriage is built on a foundation of shared spiritual values, where both partners prioritize their relationship with God and each other.
2. Mutual Respect and Submission:
"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." (Colossians 3:18-19)
Couples in a God-ordained marriage show mutual respect, kindness, and submission to one another.
3. Unconditional Love:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4)
A God-ordained marriage is characterized by unconditional love, where partners choose to love and forgive each other despite imperfections.
4. Harmony and Unity:
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20)
Couples in a God-ordained marriage experience a deep sense of harmony and unity, working together as one flesh.
5. Purpose and Partnership:
"The two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh." (Mark 10:8)
A God-ordained marriage is a partnership in every sense, where couples work together to fulfill their shared purpose and calling.
A God-ordained marriage is a beautiful blessing from heaven. By recognizing these biblical symptoms, couples can rest assured that their union is built on a foundation of faith, love, and mutual respect. May we all strive to cultivate these qualities in our own marriages, reflecting the love and grace of our heavenly Father.
Recognizing the Red Flags of a Devil-Ordained Marriage
While marriage is a sacred institution, some unions may be influenced by darker forces. This article explores the biblical symptoms that may indicate a marriage is not blessed by God, but rather fueled by Satan's tactics.
1. Control and Manipulation:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
A devil-ordained marriage often features controlling behavior, manipulation, and a lack of freedom.
2. Constant Conflict and Strife:
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." (James 3:16)
Couples in a devil-ordained marriage may experience persistent conflict, strife, and a lack of peace.
3. Emotional or Physical Abuse:
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
Abuse, whether emotional or physical, is a hallmark of a devil-ordained marriage.
4. Deception and Dishonesty:
"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)
Couples in such a marriage may experience deception, dishonesty, and a lack of transparency.
5. Idolatry and Self- Worship:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
A devil-ordained marriage may prioritize selfish desires and idolatry over God's will.
While no marriage is perfect, recognizing these biblical red flags can help couples seek help and restoration. Let us pray for discernment and seek God's guidance to transform marriages built on shaky ground into ones founded on His love and truth.
