The Essence of Marriage

The Essence of Marriage: A Journey of Commitment and Growth

Recently, my husband and I celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary, a testament to the enduring bond we’ve built. However, it feels like just yesterday that we were engaged, planning not only for our wedding day but for a lifetime together. This journey, while marked by love, wasn’t always easy. Marriage is an evolving commitment, rooted in shared challenges, personal growth, and unyielding faith.

“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6)

This verse encapsulates our belief in marriage as a lifelong commitment, built upon a foundation of mutual respect and unwavering devotion. From the outset, we recognized the adversities marriage might bring – be it illness, financial strain, or personal differences. However, we vowed never to let any challenge sway our commitment or our spiritual journey towards heaven. Instead, we chose daily to prioritize each other’s needs, constantly forgiving and leaning on God during tough times.

As we understood that true intimacy wasn’t only physical but spiritual and emotional. By candidly sharing our fears and vulnerabilities, we fostered a deep connection. Romans 12:9 states, “Let love be without hypocrisy.” This authenticity is the key, making our bond and reliance on God even stronger.

Our marriage inevitably presented challenges. Sometimes they stemmed from life’s unpredictability, other times from personal differences. In those moments, our instinct wasn’t to flee or dominate but to collaboratively find solutions, rooted in prayer and understanding. Such challenges, though daunting, bolstered our bond and spiritual growth. Through every hurdle, we emerged stronger, appreciating each other more profoundly.

Now, I acknowledge that the Bible provides a clear outline for marital roles, emphasizing the husband’s loving leadership and the wife’s respectful submission (Ephesians 5:23, 5:33). Contrary to popular misconceptions, being the ‘head’ does not empower husbands to be authoritarian. Instead, we should emulate Christ’s sacrificial love for the church, ensuring our wife’s and family’s spiritual and emotional well-being. As we have learned that Genesis 18:19 reiterates the husband’s pivotal role in guiding his family towards the path of the Lord. On the other hand, a wife’s submission doesn’t denote inferiority. It signifies respect and trust in her husband’s leadership, fostering unity and growth in marriage. In 1 Peter 3:5-6, the Apostle Peter uses Sarah as an example for Christian wives, highlighting her submission to Abraham. However, her submission was not a sign of her being less than or inferior. It was a sign of her trust and faith in God’s promises and in Abraham’s leadership.

However, we all know that successful marriages transcend roles. It’s crucial to communicate openly and adjust to unrealistic expectations. Expecting perfection or telepathic understanding can breed resentment. Instead, couples should nurture constant communication, mutual understanding, and spiritual growth, with God at the center of their union. As 1 Peter 3:7 suggests, when respect and love flourish, prayers remain unhindered, and the marital bond strengthens. Ultimately, the sanctity of marriage lies in mutual love, understanding, and shared spiritual pursuits, creating a lasting bond that deepens with time.

In conclusion, I believe that a lasting marriage doesn’t occur by accident but is the culmination of daily choices grounded in God’s teachings. It’s an intentional journey of commitment, understanding, and spiritual growth.

I invite you to join us on this journey of faith and for the enrichment of your married life by taking the first step in attending our service at our church located as follows:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.

For regular service hours, please click here.

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org