How can I have a good marriage?
Introduction. There are many answers people might give to our question. Some would say marry one who shares common career goals along with educational, social/economic, or political background. Some might suggest having similar interests in sports, hobbies, or other entertainment. But what do the scriptures say?
Recognize God's authority. When two people contemplate marriage, they must recognize some source of authority, whether it be a human philosophy or God Himself. Note God is the author of marriage (Gen. 1, 2). It was God who said, " it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2: 18). God then instituted marriage (vss. 23-25). Consequently, God is qualified above all to tell man how to have a good marriage.
We can enjoy a good marriage by observing God's order and teaching. The husband/wife relationship has precedence over all earthly relationships (Gen. 2: 24). Their union is indissoluble, except for death and adultery (Matt. 19: 4-9). God's order is the husband is the head of the wife, the wife is to be subject to her own husband, and the children are to obey their parents (Eph. 5: 22-6: 1). Parents, especially fathers, have the awesome responsibility of rearing their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4).
Husbands are to love their wives and wives are to reverence their husbands. Paul wrote, "Husbands, love your wives..." (Eph. 5: 25). A point of great importance is "love" is from the Greek agapa. Most men do not need urging to physically love their wives, but this love which is much deeper. Agapa love is unselfish and seeks the best for the one so loved (Eph. 5: 25-29). Wives must respect their husbands (Eph. 5: 33). In such a marriage there is trust and unison of effort and direction.
Recognize God's authority. When two people contemplate marriage, they must recognize some source of authority, whether it be a human philosophy or God Himself. Note God is the author of marriage (Gen. 1, 2). It was God who said, " it is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2: 18). God then instituted marriage (vss. 23-25). Consequently, God is qualified above all to tell man how to have a good marriage.
We can enjoy a good marriage by observing God's order and teaching. The husband/wife relationship has precedence over all earthly relationships (Gen. 2: 24). Their union is indissoluble, except for death and adultery (Matt. 19: 4-9). God's order is the husband is the head of the wife, the wife is to be subject to her own husband, and the children are to obey their parents (Eph. 5: 22-6: 1). Parents, especially fathers, have the awesome responsibility of rearing their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4).
Husbands are to love their wives and wives are to reverence their husbands. Paul wrote, "Husbands, love your wives..." (Eph. 5: 25). A point of great importance is "love" is from the Greek agapa. Most men do not need urging to physically love their wives, but this love which is much deeper. Agapa love is unselfish and seeks the best for the one so loved (Eph. 5: 25-29). Wives must respect their husbands (Eph. 5: 33). In such a marriage there is trust and unison of effort and direction.