Husbands, Wives, and Marriage

"I, (name), take you, (name), to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

These words are said at weddings to state one's commitment to marriage. They are uttered with tears, smiles, and a joy known only by those who are fortunate to recite them. Unfortunately, they are forgotten when he/she does not meet some standard of excellence that we adopt based on what our friends, family, or favorite star says. We decide that the person we promised to love unconditionally is no longer what we want. We deserve better. We deserve more. We deserve to be happy. We are so caught up in the ways that he/she is no longer good enough that we forget that at I do the two who existed became one.

If both people approached the marriage as their own words stated and as God intended, there would be no reason for divorce. Simply, if a wife had in her spirit that the person she was bashing was herself then she would alter her language, reevaluate her actions, and fight to preserve the relationship. If a husband had in his spirit that the person he was hurting was himself he would find ways to live peacefully, shift his priorities, and fight to preserve the relationship.

How awesome would it be for both parties to understand the meaning behind
Genesis 2:23 KJV

And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

God intended for the two to exist in harmony. If we look to scripture
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV states

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

It is so important to apply this scripture to your marriage daily. Applying this would make the challenges in the marriage that much easier to face. He is looking to the interests of his wife. She is looking to the interests of her husband. They are united in the quest to sustain the marriage. They are united in the quest to honor God.

Adayinthelife :-)