Marriage remains a significant aspect of Christian life but the way that it is valued has undergone a shift in wider society. Higher numbers of couples are moving in together and cohabiting for years before even considering walking down the aisle, if they contemplate it at all. For the couples that do decide to make their union official, many of them become caught up in the superficial elements of the wedding day - the dress, the venue, the decorations, the entertainment - and risk these distracting them from the central and most important part of the whole event. I love attending weddings and witnessing two people in love make their union official in the eyes of God as much as the next girl but I can't help but wonder about the impact that the pressure to make the day perfect can have. When we look beyond the excitement of the big day and past the intense and meticulous planning that's often required to bring it all together, what is marriage really about? These verses will help you to build up a picture of how this special union is described and alluded to in the Bible.
Proverbs 18:22 - He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.
Proverbs:19:14 - Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Mark 10:6-9 - 'But at the beginning of creation God "made them male and female". "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become flesh." So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.'
Ephesians 4:2-3 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
