The True Joys of Marriage

By Gary Chapman

The Intimacy of Marriage

At the heart of marriage is the idea of unity. The Bible states, "The two will become one flesh." Intimacy is the opposite of 'aloneness'. God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Something deep within man cries out for the companionship of a woman, and the woman has a similar desire for intimacy with a man. Marriage is designed to satisfy that deep search for intimacy.

But this intimacy is not simply the joining of two bodies in a sexual experience. It is the joining of two souls in the deepest possible way. Intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically we join our lives together. This intimacy grows with each passing day, if we take time to talk and listen; pray together, and seek God's guidance.

The Friendship of Marriage 

The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes said, "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Everyone needs a friend. The marriage relationship is seen in the Bible as a friendship. Husbands and wives are designed to complement each other. When the man is weak, his wife is strong; when she stumbles, he is there to pick her up.

Life is easier when two hearts and minds are committed to working together to face the challenges of the day. One of the great joys of marriage is helping your spouse accomplish a project that is meaningful to them. We use our skills to help each other. We also give emotional support when one is hurting. Yes, two are better than one.

The Glory of Marriage

"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together" Psalm 34:3. One young man used this verse to propose marriage to his girlfriend. I like that. From a biblical perspective, the purpose of life is not to accomplish our own objectives. The purpose of life is to know God and to bring glory and honor to His name. For most people, marriage enhances the possibility of achieving this objective.

Yet, in the pressure of daily life we often get more concerned about paying the bills, mowing the grass, and getting clothes for the children than we do about bringing glory to God. However, these very things, if done "as unto the Lord" do honor God. As you serve your family, you are serving God. 

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God bless your family and your marriage.

Jim Stephens