The Meaning Of Marriage
Saturday, March 2
Ephesians 5:31-33 (NKJV)
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Devotion
Marriage, in its essence, mirrors the divine nature of God. It provides a blueprint for understanding our partner's deepest desires. A woman's primary need is love, echoing the unconditional love Christ has for his followers. A husband is called to emulate this love, cherishing and caring for his wife as he does for himself.
Marriage is a divine institution, reflecting God's design for companionship. Just as God saw it was not good for man to be alone and created a woman to be his partner, marriage reflects the unity and completeness found in companionship.
In this sacred union, women are called to honor their husbands with respect, recognizing their emotional fragility and need for affirmation. By offering reverence and praise, women strengthen the bond of love and respect within the marriage, fostering a harmonious partnership reflective of Christ's love for the church.
As we journey together in marital unity, let us remember the profound significance of love, respect, and mutual care. May husbands emulate Christ's unconditional love, cherishing their wives as Christ does the church. And may wives honor their husbands with respect and admiration, nurturing a bond that mirrors the love and unity between Christ and the church. Together, let us seek to embody the beauty and grace of God's design for marriage, knowing that through our union, we bear witness to His eternal love and faithfulness.
Today’s Prayer
Married (to be prayed together):
Dear Heavenly Father,
May the vows we took on our wedding day be blessed and grow with time. We ask that You take the two of us and truly make us one. Help each of us to fulfill our role in our marriage as per Your design. Make our marriage one of compassion, full of laughter, love, honor, and respect. Mingle our spirits together with each other and with You. Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness to our marriage covenant. Please help us to be just as faithful. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Single:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You for preparing me for a life of faithfulness to You through these lessons. Please direct my life toward godliness and contentment. I ask Your guidance in my friendships, companionship, ministry, employment, finances, and in all other areas as well. Help me to focus on putting You and others first, attending to the needs of those whom You place in my path. Help me to be filled with the Spirit and have the mind of Christ in all that concerns my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Ask God to place someone in your life for whom you may be a source of strength, lighting their path to Him. For married couples, it may be a couple who is struggling or just needs a godly Christian couple to befriend them. For singles, it may be someone who is facing loneliness or other struggles of the single life. Be open to help whomever He places in your path. If He calls you to them, He will help you minister to their needs.
Resources:
- God’s ultimate plan is to use you as His vessel, whether as a couple or as an individual. Watch the message, “How God Wants To Use You,” and be encouraged to pursue His plan.
- Looking for ways to plug in and serve? Check out our Serve Teams at Free Chapel.