FAITH IN ACTION| THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE

INTRODUCTION

God created marriage and intended it to be good for us. When sin entered, so did the breaking of relationships. Divorce has become common today, even among Christians.

Divorce is a painful and challenging experience that can deeply affect individuals, families, and communities. As a Christian, navigating through the complexities of divorce can be even more difficult, as it may seem conflicting with the biblical teachings on marriage. However, it is important to remember that God’s grace and love extend to every situation, including divorce.

“I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

Matthew 19:9

DEVOTIONAL

Marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God, designed to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. In Matthew 19:9, Jesus addresses the topic of divorce, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and highlighting the serious consequences of disregarding the sanctity of marriage.

Jesus affirms that divorce should not be taken lightly. He states that the only valid reason for divorce is sexual immorality (fornication).

This exception recognizes the devastating impact that unfaithfulness can have on a marriage. However, even in such cases, divorce is not automatically mandated; it is a matter to be approached with caution and seeking God’s guidance.

The Lord’s words emphasize the gravity of the marriage covenant. When spouses break their vows and enter into new relationships, Jesus points out that they commit adultery.

Furthermore, He makes it clear that anyone who marries a divorced person also commits adultery. These statements underscore God’s intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment, marked by faithfulness and unwavering devotion.

Marriage is more than a legal contract or a social arrangement. It is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Just as Christ remains faithful and committed to His Church, we are called to emulate this fidelity and loyalty in our marriage relationships.

In today’s world, the value of commitment and faithfulness in marriage is often disregarded or diminished. Divorce rates are climbing, and the idea of lifelong commitment is often seen as outdated or unrealistic.

However, as followers of Christ, we are called to uphold the standards set by our Lord. We are challenged to honor the covenant we have made with our spouse, remaining committed to them through the highs and lows of life.

The message of this passage extends beyond the subject of divorce. It reminds us of our call to faithfulness in all aspects of life. Just as spouses are called to honor their commitment to one another, we are also called to be faithful to God in our relationship with Him. We must not allow worldly temptations or fleeting desires to draw us away from our devotion to the Lord.

Today, let us reflect upon the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness. Whether we are married or single, let us honor the commitment we have made to our spouses, or prepare ourselves to honor such a commitment in the future. Likewise, let us renew our commitment to God, seeking His guidance and strength to remain faithful in all areas of our lives.

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage and the sacred covenant it represents. Help us to treasure the commitments we have made to our spouses and to honor them faithfully.

Teach us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness when challenges arise in our relationships. Grant us the wisdom to navigate difficulties and extend Your grace and love to those around us. Strengthen us to live with faithfulness and dedication, both in our marriages and in our relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.