“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Mark 10:9
A group of second graders was asked the question, “Why did your mom marry your dad?”
Here are some of their responses:
· “My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.”
· “She got too old to do anything else with him.”
· “My grandma says that Mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.”
These humorous answers remind us that people get married for lots of different reasons – some of them good, some of them bad. Regardless of the reason, though, marriage is something very special.
Marriage is more than just a human agreement; it’s a divine covenant. From the very beginning, God established marriage as a lifelong partnership between husband and wife, a relationship built on love, faithfulness, and mutual support. Genesis 2:24 tells us, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
God’s plan for marriage is not about finding the perfect person or avoiding challenges. It’s about committing to love and grow together, even when life gets difficult. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” In a Christ-centered marriage, spouses lift each other up, encourage one another, and overcome obstacles together through God’s strength.
Of course, every marriage is going to face seasons of hardship — misunderstandings, disappointments, and even moments that make us wonder if we had our “thinking cap” on when we said, “I do.” But through it all, God provides us with what we need to persevere. A strong marriage isn’t built on perfection but on forgiveness and the commitment to keep choosing each other daily.
So, whether you’re newly married, you’ve have been together for decades, or you’re still waiting for that special someone, remember this: Marriage is God’s gift. He’s the one who joins two people together, and with him at the center, that bond can withstand any storm that comes its way.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of marriage. Help us to honor and cherish the relationships you have blessed us with. When challenges come, help us to love one another as you love us, with grace, patience, and an unwavering commitment. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Alan Smith