A Good Marriage - Mutual Regard
Marrying someone because they “look good on paper,” are a trophy on our arm, are sure to accept our proposal of marriage, or fit into our “five or ten-year plan” for our life is cruel and unjust (Genesis 29:31-34). We imprison them in a loveless relationship and deprive them of the benefits of a deep and committed love that never ceases (1 Corinthians 13:8-12).
God’s Word exhorts wives to submit to their own husband, but this is with the condition that the decision is fitting in the Lord. As women, our primary allegiance is to the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. If our husband requires us to commit an action contrary to Biblical teaching, we gracefully and kindly follow God’s precepts instead (Titus 2:5, Colossians 3:18, Ephesians 5:22, 1 Peter 3:1,5).
Another concept to consider here is that we are co-heirs with Jesus. This gives the picture of two people who consider issues through prayer together, and we find avenues of action that come from Godly wisdom upon which we can both agree. We honor one another with our preferences and understanding.
We also support one another, make mutual choices that benefit both of us, fiercely guard each other’s peace and joy, and promote the fulfillment of our mate’s needs. This attitude helps to insure the longevity of our marriage as a living example of Christ and His Bride.
Together we rejoice and grieve, share in hobbies, take walks, nurture children and grandchildren, and face life’s joys and difficulties with a unified front. We cherish each other, value our spouse as our companion, delight in one another’s attention and love, have compassion on different weaknesses, and appreciate and rely on individual strengths (Isaiah 62:4-5).
Prayer:
Father God, we bask in Your love today and we look forward to our relationship with You throughout eternity. We delight in our union with You and rely on Your consistent presence in our life. Help us to be ambassadors of Your love to our spouse, family, church family, neighbors, and acquaintances. Teach us to cover our mate with Your love – both their faults and their strengths – rather than frustration, disdain, resentment, aloofness, and rejection (Song of Solomon 2:4).
Help us to follow Jesus’ example of love. He was crucified for His Bride’s transgressions (Isaiah 53:5-8), sacrificed Himself for our salvation, and loves us with an unconditional love (Isaiah 62:5; Ephesians 5:32). Remind us to prefer one another as co-heirs together with Jesus of Your entire Kingdom (Romans 8:16-18; 1 Peter 3:7). Teach us to delight in one another as Jesus delights in His Beloved and to treasure our relationship all the days of our life.
Thoughts for the Day:
If a man marries a woman as his cook, housekeeper, babysitter, a second income, etc. he does both her and himself a disfavor. If a woman marries a man for the wedding experience, or because she does not want to be considered a spinster, or for his ability to provide for and protect her, she cheats him out of the respect and honor he longs to receive from his mate. If we change our focus and marry in the will of God for us, our marriage can always reflect the affection, delight, and warmth of the couple portrayed in the Biblical book of the Song of Solomon.
