The Godly Blueprint for Marriage
In the pursuit of a truly biblical marriage, we are reminded that it's not enough to merely contemplate the ideals of matrimony; we must actively practice and live out the principles laid out in God's Word.
Foundation in God's Word
To glorify God in our marriages, we are called to anchor them firmly in His Word. The fulfillment we seek can only be attained by following the divine rules set forth for this sacred institution.
Husband's Role: Reflecting Christ's Love
The husband is exhorted to love his wife with a love akin to Christ's love for the Church—absolute, purposeful, realistic, and sacrificial. This Christ-like love naturally leads to the wife's submission, mirroring the Church's submission to Christ. However, this submission is not absolute; it yields only when in harmony with submission to Christ.
Ephesians 5:25 (KJV) - "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."
God-Centered Priorities
Placing God at the forefront of our lives and marriages is paramount. Both husbands and wives are called to prioritize God above all else, with spouses coming second. Following the commands crafted by God for marriage is the key to finding true fulfillment.
Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV) - "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Sharing Faith and Biblical Knowledge
Psalm 128:1 reveals the secret to happiness in life, emphasizing the husband's duty to share his faith with his wife and encourage her to do the same. Sharing every piece of Biblical knowledge gained in private study becomes a joint endeavor, as both spouses contribute to each other's spiritual growth.
Psalm 128:1 (KJV) - "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways."
Prayer and Fellowship
Prayer becomes the cornerstone of a godly marriage, injecting the heart with the presence of God. Spending time in prayer and Scripture together deepens the love between husband and wife, leading them to respond to marital trials in a more Biblical manner.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Establishing a "Little Church" at Home
A husband's responsibility extends to establishing a "little church" within the home. Family worship involves reading and instructing from Scripture, daily prayer, and singing pure doctrinal songs, especially the Psalms.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV) - "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Love Modeled After Christ
True love within marriage is characterized by patience, selflessness, kindness, and the absence of envy or conceit. It harbors the best, yet realistic, thoughts about one's spouse and is exclusive—a superior love that no one but the spouse receives.
Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV) - "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Communication and Companionship
Communication, rooted in love and gratitude, is vital for a healthy relationship. Listening without haste or anger fosters understanding. Criticism is replaced by verbal encouragement and affirmation, creating an atmosphere of joyfulness.
Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) - "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
Intimacy with Honor
Sexual intimacy is designed to honor the wife as God's image-bearer. Understanding each other's arousal triggers—visuals for husbands and tenderness, talking, thoughtfulness for wives—forges a deeper connection.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (KJV) - "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."
Friendship Within Marriage
Remaining each other's best friends involves investing time, engaging in meaningful conversation, expressing thoughtful gestures, and maintaining physical touch. Overlapping lives as much as possible is the key to a close friendship, even in marriage.
Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) - "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Shared Parenting Responsibilities
While the husband exercises headship in marriage, parenting is a joint venture. Open communication about concerns reduces stress and tension, providing biblical and God-glorifying answers.
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
A biblical perspective on marriage emphasizes a God-centered foundation, Christ-like love, shared faith, prayer, and open communication. By adhering to these principles, we embark on a journey towards a fulfilling and God-honoring marriage.
May our homes be a reflection of the divine order established by our Creator.