Pastor's Corner: God’s Plan for Marriages

BY PAUL HATHCOAT

Marriage is a sacred union between two people, ordained by God himself. It is a commitment to love, cherish and honor each other, for better or for worse. In the Bible, marriage is emphasized as an important institution that forms the foundation of society. Strong marriages are not only essential for the well-being of individuals and families, but also for the stability and prosperity of nations. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about marriage, from a pastor’s perspective.

In the book of Genesis, God created Adam and Eve and declared that “a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This union is not just physical, but also spiritual and emotional. It is a covenant between two people, binding them together for life. The Bible describes marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and his Church. Just as Christ loves the Church, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, and wives are called to respect their husbands.

The importance of strong marriages is emphasized throughout the Bible. In Proverbs 18:22, it says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” A strong marriage is a blessing from God, and it brings favor and blessings into the lives of both spouses. In Ephesians 5:22-33, the Apostle Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives to submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ. This is not a call for women to be subservient to men, but rather a call for both spouses to respect and honor each other.

Marriage is also a reflection of God’s covenant with his people. Just as God is faithful to his promises, husbands and wives are called to be faithful to their marriage vows. In Malachi 2:16, it says, “The man who hates and divorces his wife…does violence to the one he should protect.” Divorce is not God’s ideal for marriage, and it is only allowed in cases of adultery or abandonment according to scripture. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” The bond of marriage is not to be broken lightly, and couples should seek to work through their problems rather than giving up on their marriage. This mentality is not always shared in the world we live in today.

Strong marriages also provide a stable environment for children to grow up in. In Psalm 127:3, it says, “ Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him .” Children are a gift from God, and parents have a responsibility to raise them in a loving and stable environment. When parents have a strong and connected marriage, it creates a sense of security and stability for children. Statistics show that they are more likely to grow up with a positive self-image, and they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug use and premarital sex.

Finally, strong marriages are essential for the health and well-being of individuals. Marriage provides a sense of companionship, support, and intimacy that is essential for human flourishing. In 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, it says, “Each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband…Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” Sexual intimacy is an important aspect of marriage, and it strengthens the bond between spouses. When couples have a strong and loving marriage, they are better equipped to face the challenges of life together.

Strong marriages are essential for the well-being of individuals, families, and society as a whole. Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God, and couples are called to love, honor, and respect each other. When couples have a strong and loving marriage, it brings blessings and favor from God, creates a stable environment for children, and aligns one’s own life with God’s original plan for us all. May your marriages be flourishing, may your families be prosperous, and may your children of all abilities be blessed as a result. Amen!

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat at phathcoat@wrcc.org.