Marriage was God’s idea, given in Eden before sin entered the world. God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18), and He brought the woman to the man. “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). Jesus confirmed that marriage is a lifelong union of one man and one woman: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6).
A Christian marriage is built on love, respect and faithfulness. Husbands are to love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25), and husband and wife are to submit “one to another in the fear of God” (Ephesians 5:21). God’s plan is that believers marry believers (2 Corinthians 6:14), so that the home can serve Him together.
The family is the first school and the first church. Parents are to teach God’s words to their children “when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way” (Deuteronomy 6:7), and to “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). No home is perfect, but God promises to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6).
Key Bible verses
- Genesis 2:18-24They shall be one flesh.
- Matthew 19:4-6What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
- Ephesians 5:21-33Love as Christ loved the church.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14Be ye not unequally yoked.
- Deuteronomy 6:5-7Teach them diligently unto thy children.
- Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go.
- Malachi 4:5-6He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- What makes a home a place where God is present?
- What can you do this week to show love and respect to your family?
- How can single people, widows and couples without children feel fully part of God’s family in the church?
