Marriage ismuch more than a civil contract with legal benefits. Marriage is an essential part of God’s plan. The Bible teaches God’s expectations regarding marriage and gives practical relationship advice. Marriage is an eternal concept. It is meant to be a loving, intimate, selfless relationship between a man and a woman that lasts through eternity. A relationship of love The Bible teaches, “Husbands, love your wives” (Ephesians 5:25) and “teach the young women … to love their husbands” (Titus 2:4). Love in marriage can be deeper and more selfless than in any other relationship. It is this type of love that Jesus expects of His followers, and it is the virtue that couples need the most. A relationship of intimacy Marriage involves spiritual, emotional, and physical closeness. In the Old Testament, we are taught, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh”(Genesis 2:24). Married couples are meant to be unified in...
