Articles
What Every Marriage Needs
Commitment: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6).
Mutual love and respect: “Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them” (Colossians 3:18-19).
Vulnerability: “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25).
Honesty: “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain” (Proverbs 31:11). “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).
Forgiveness: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Sexual integrity: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).
Intimacy and affection: “’How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves.’ ‘How handsome you are, my beloved, and so pleasant! Indeed, our couch is luxuriant!’” (Song of Solomon 1:15-16).
Understanding: “You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).
Christ: “’For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).
