Christian Marriage: A Sacred and Lifelong Commitment
Christian marriage is an ordained union between two people in the Lord (Galatians 3:28). It is a lifelong commitment to one another, working together as a couple for the sake of a strong, godly family.
The Ideal of Marriage: God's Covenant Relationship
The ideal of marriage is found in the covenant relationship God initiated when he created man and woman in his own image (Genesis 1:26-28). Even though human beings haven't always followed that ideal, God's way of establishing marriage still serves as the most wholesome model.
The Characteristics of Christian Marriage
A Christian marriage is a union between a husband and wife in which they share sacrificial love, care, service, and leadership. It is also a lifelong commitment to one another that is marked by total faithfulness.
Challenges in Christian Marriages
Sexual sin is a big problem in most marriages, especially for Christians. Adultery and homosexuality destroy the bond between a husband and wife, destroying their intimate relationship.
God's Plan for Every Marriage
Thankfully, God has a plan for every marriage. He intends for marriage to continue until death, and he places hedges of protection around a marriage so that the sacred union between a husband and wife will remain intact no matter what happens.
Rediscovering True Love in Christian Marriage
God created man and woman for companionship, which is marked by sexual intimacy, personal closeness, and shared direction. When a person is able to experience these aspects of love in an authentic manner, it is a good sign that they have found the right partner to be with forever.
But the fallen nature of humanity has distorted that natural love and caused it to be tainted with the evils of sin. The good news is that a new way of loving one another, filled with agape, has been restored through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.
The Role of Sacrificial Love in Christian Marriage
In the new covenant of marriage, God has made it possible for a sacrificial love to return. This sacrificial love is the ultimate expression of Christ's love for us. It is a love that can transform hearts and change lives, overcoming the most devastating situations.
It is also a love that is committed to peace, grace, compassion, patience, and mercy. The sacrificial love that is part of the foundation of a Christian marriage also enables a couple to forgive each other, rather than living in denial or making excuses for their actions.
The Power of Sacrificial Love
It also enables the two of them to work together toward solutions in their marriage, cultivating heartfelt change and forgiveness. This kind of sacrificial love is the key to the true health and harmony of a marriage. It is a sacrificial love that is not self-focused but aimed at building up the other person in their faith and helping them to become more like Christ.
Jesus: The Restorer of Christian Marriages
In the New Testament, Jesus is clearly portrayed as the King over marriage. He is the only One who can restore the sacrificial love that was torn away by the Fall, as well as the only one who can heal broken hearts and build up the spiritual life of a tainted marriage.
