Love & Marriage: What does the Bible say?

The Foundation of Marriage: Love

In Genesis 2:18, God declares that “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” This passage shows that God created marriage as a relationship of love and companionship. Marriage is not just a legal or social contract, but a life-long covenant between two people – one man and one woman – who love and care for each other.

Mutual Love and Respect

Ephesians 5:21-33 instructs husbands and wives to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. The passage teaches that husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificing himself for her, and wives should respect their husbands. Mutual love and respect are essential for a thriving marriage. Husbands and wives should treat each other with kindness, patience, and be quick to forgive.

The Sanctity of Marriage

In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus teaches that God created marriage to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman. He says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This passage emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the importance of staying faithful to one’s spouse. Marriage is a life-long covenant that should not be taken lightly. It is a sacred bond made between a man and a woman in the presence of God.

The Power of Sacrificial Love

1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” describes the characteristics of true love. Love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not rude or self-seeking, and always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This passage emphasizes the power of sacrificial love that is willing to put the needs of others before one’s own. In marriage, sacrificial love means being willing to make sacrifices for one’s spouse and to put their needs before one’s own. Ensure that your spouse’s “love tank” is full by making regular “deposits”. You cannot ever demand withdrawals when not enough deposits have been made. You cannot give what you do not have.

The Value of Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13 instructs believers to forgive one another as Christ forgave them. Forgiveness is essential in marriage, where conflicts and misunderstandings can arise. Marriage is not always easy, and there will be times when spouses hurt each other. Here, we are not talking about abuse, which is something that cannot ever be justified or condoned in any way. We are talking about the times when spouses misunderstand or disappoint each other through their words or actions. In the end, forgiveness allows couples to move past those hurts and to continue to love and care for each other.

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With Jesus at the centre of a marriage, couples can build strong, loving, and thriving marriages that last a lifetime.