A Word from the Vine No. 463: The Sanctity of Marriage

Welcome to “A Word from the Vine.” I’m Pastor Loren Christensen from Danish Countryside Chapel, and today, we’re going to talk about the sanctity of marriage. This is a topic that touches the very core of our lives and our communities.

In Mark 10:2-9, we see the Pharisees testing Jesus with a question about divorce. Jesus responds by pointing them back to God’s original design for marriage. He says, “From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Marriage is a sacred covenant, a divine institution created by God. It’s about commitment and faithfulness, even when times are tough. In a world where the institution of marriage is often challenged, we are called to uphold its sanctity.

Think about a couple who has been married for 50 years. They’ve faced financial hardships, health issues, and personal losses, but their commitment to each other and to God has seen them through. Their love has deepened over the years because they chose to stay faithful and work through their challenges together. This kind of enduring love is a testament to the power of God’s design for marriage.

Let’s delve deeper into what it means to uphold the sanctity of marriage. It’s not just about staying together; it’s about thriving together. It’s about making daily choices to love, honor, and respect each other. It’s about forgiveness and grace, about putting the needs of your spouse above your own. This kind of love mirrors the love Christ has for His church.

We face many challenges in our marriages today—stress, financial pressures, and societal influences. Divorce rates are high, and the societal view of marriage is shifting. But we must remember that God is our strength. When we face difficulties, we should turn to Him for guidance and support.

In today’s society, it’s easy to see marriage as disposable. But let’s look at the example of a couple who faced the brink of divorce. They decided to seek counseling and turn to God for help. Through prayer, support from their church community, and a renewed commitment to each other, they were able to rebuild their marriage stronger than before. Their story is a powerful reminder that with God, all things are possible.

To all the couples listening today, I encourage you to seek God’s guidance in your relationship. Pray together, read the Bible together, and support each other. Remember that you are not alone; God is with you, and so is your church family.

Here are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your marriage:

1. Pray Together: Make it a habit to pray together daily. This not only brings you closer to God but also to each other.

2. Communicate Openly: Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with each other. Open communication is key to understanding and resolving issues.

3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from your church community or professional counselors when needed. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Thank you for joining me today on “A Word from the Vine.” Let’s honor the sanctity of marriage by committing to love, faithfulness, and seeking God’s strength in our relationships. Remember, what God has joined together, let no one separate. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.