In today’s theme scripture, Jesus confirms the Biblical definition and value of marriage as established by God in Genesis 2:18-24. Jesus is clear here, that a man and woman shall be joined together and become one flesh, thus defining the marriage covenant. Though the world tries to redefine marriage, it is clear throughout scripture that God both created and ordained the unity of one man to one woman for a lifetime. As Hebrews 13:4 states, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” The sexually immoral includes anyone who takes the covenant of marriage away from God’s design for marriage.

In Ephesians chapter 5, we are told to love, respect, and care for our spouse. Love in marriage should be deeper and more selfless than in any other relationship. Imagine the strength of marriages and families if both husbands and wives loved each other so deeply, that we truly put the other above ourselves. When one is in a deep and selfless relationship with his or her spouse, it trickles down to the children and eventually into the extended family and ultimately the community. This is how we gain better and more godly communities, cities, states, and nations. 

God created the family unit to be a source of life as a godly example, providing wisdom for all those with whom we are connected. Let us start doing our part within our marriages and families so that we can lead those around us back onto the right path. Please make no mistake, as our marriages and families thrive, so does the nation. 

Married (to be prayed together):

Dear Heavenly Father,

I offer praise to You for the spouse You have entrusted into my care. I confess that there have been more times that I have placed myself and my wants and desires above my spouse. I ask Your forgiveness and confess to You and my spouse, that I will commit to doing better. Help me to rid myself of me so that I may draw closer to You and my spouse so that together we may have a godly marriage to leave as an inheritance for our children. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Single

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for training me before marriage on how to love deeply and selflessly. Please help me to focus so strongly on my service to You and others, that I develop a servant’s heart before marriage. I know that as I grow into a person who puts You and others first now, it will be much easier to put my spouse first once I enter a marriage covenant, should that be Your will for me. Even if marriage isn’t Your plan, I commit to serving You with my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Give your spouse permission to honestly tell you the times he or she feels unloved or left out by you. Thereafter, do the same. Discuss ways you can each make changes that will help grow your marriage stronger and more unified. Then make a vow to one another, with God as your witness, to do better in those areas.

Go into a time of prayer with God and ask Him to show you what you can eliminate from your life to enter into a closer relationship with Him. Commit to a time of Bible study and prayer each day and linger with your Heavenly Father as you grow in unity with Him.