The Essence

Marriage is defined by the Catholic Church  as a “covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation, education of offspring”, and which “has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized” .

Christian marriage is a covenant and Merriam-Webster dictionary defines covenant as ‘a usually formal, solemn and binding agreement’. God takes this agreement between a husband and the wife of his youth serious, Malachi 2:14. You should also take it very serious. It is a committed relationship between a husband and a wife in which they can support each other to attain their highest goal.

It is a partnership and the parties have equal shareholding. There is no dormant or sleeping partner; all are called to participate actively for the common good of the family. Couples should mutually agree both short and long term goals and work together to achieve these. The success or otherwise of this partnership depends on the action(s) of both parties. Couples should always remember that they are ‘a team’.

When we say ‘Till death do us part’ during wedding ceremonies, do we really understand the words? Marriage is a life-long union and we should be willing to put in our very best to make it fulfilling. From the beginning, God made it to be for the whole of life, Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:8; Luke 16:18. He hates divorce.

Christian marriage is for the good of the spouses. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 states that as a couple, we have a good return for our labour; one is able to lift the other up in case any falls; we keep warm together and we are not easily overpowered. These are part of the dividends of marriage.

Marriage is part of God’s plan for procreation and education of offspring Genesis 1:28; Psalm 128:3. It provides a safe venue for the rearing of offspring. The parents are the first pastors and teachers of their children, both in things of faith and in the art of living, Deuteronomy 4:10; Joshua 4:21; Psalm 78:5; 1Thessalonians 2:11-12. Parents are the ones that will establish standards for living for their children.

If you have broken your marriage vows; there’s still hope for you. Pray for forgiveness and resolve to be faithful to your partner. Are you making it difficult for your husband or wife to live out his or her ‘Till death do us part’ commitment by your actions or inactions? Pray for forgiveness and turn a new leaf. Be determined and work as a team for the good of your home and your eternal salvation.

© Making Wedding Vows Count