BIBLE GUIDELINES FOR MARRIAGE

AI Comments on Bible guidelines for marriage: “marital problems include poor communication, financial issues, lack of intimacy, infidelity, and different values or expectations.” But as a solution to such problems, “Biblical guidelines for marriage emphasize a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church” Many Bible counselors believe “Scripture offers valuable wisdom and advice whether you are considering a dating relationship, planning a wedding, or finding your marriage struggling”  

SCRIPTURES CONCERNING RIGHTEOUS DATING RELATIONSHIP:

Bible-scriptures counsels you: Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with [unrighteousness]? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The scriptures help you to even discern people who have “a form of godliness,(2 Timothy 3:5);” but who deny the power of the Holy Spirit to conform them to the likeness of Christ (John 14:15-17;  Romans 8:29). The scriptures advise you to “avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3:5).

SCRIPTURES ABOUT GOD’S PLANS FOR MARRIAGE:

The Lord Jesus Christ said: “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6;  Genesis 2:18).

The Bible says “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” and other things approved by God will be added (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 5:14-15). For if God  “did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all [good] things?”—including a suitable partner. (Roman 8:32; Psalm 84:11).

SCRIPTURES DEALING WITH MARRIAGE DIFFICULTIES:

The Bible tells people who are struggling, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). For our God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

The Lord who died for us while we were yet sinners, commands us to “love one another: just as I have loved you.” The Word of God counsels those who are married: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” And “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19).

Even though married people may have difficulties, the Word of God says, “what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6;  Genesis 2:18). Jesus said, “whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Mathew 19:9). And “let not the wife depart from her husband. :But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). 

A married believer is advised to remain with an unbeliever who wishes to stay. “But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances.” Nevertheless, if they stay together the believer may be instrumental in the salvation of the unbeliever.   (1 Corinthians 7:12-16).

EXAMPLE OF A MARRIAGE GOD HEALED BY HIS GUIDELINES

Marriage problems had caused me and my wife to sperate. We were pending divorce. But I was praying and seeking God’s help and guidance. My wife was meeting with the pastor who married us for several problem she was experiencing, including our marriage. God  impressed the pastor to meet with us for marriage counseling. In seeking and  following God’s marriage guideline, He  healed our broken marriage. For “love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

When I became sick with cancer, my wife was the loving and caring mate the Lord God made her to be for me (Genesis 2:18). When she became sick with “terminal cancer,” I loved and cared for her as Christ loves his church. Before the Lord took Joan to be with him, she comforted me in saying, “I have always loved you.” And she prayed, “Lord take care of Steve.”                               

If you have problems related to marriage, God can heal them if you follow his guidelines involving the love of Christ. And the Lord God promised the time will come when you will not have any more problems; for the Lord God “will wipe away every tear from your eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

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