From the beginning, God had a plan to create fellowship and union between His special creation, people.
Adam was to rule over the animals and plants, Eve was for companionship, and they were both for a unique bond with the Lord. They had created a special family in which they shared their time and energy nourishing. It wasn’t until Satan came along thinking that he could have the same power as God and created chaos in spite of the goodness that filled the earth.
The enemy created distraction to destroy the family. First the husband and wife were the target. Darts of dis-function, addictions, shame, guilt, fear, unmet expectations, lies, and all the modern fiery arrows are flung over the years. Trust is lost in the mix of chaos and marriage and other relationships fall apart.
Then the enemy goes for the final blow as he attacks the children. Self-abuse is encouraged, disorders follow like the plague that doesn’t seem to go away, pressures push them into hopelessness, and disjointed families put the nail in the coffin of a disenchanted life. The dream of the enemy is realized and he moves on to the next family he wishes to destroy.
How do we fight back? Where do we find hope? As believers, there is only one correct answer and it has nothing to do with the secular world’s goals or thoughts. Our help comes from the Lord and His Word. He sees us through our marriages, parenting, and other relationships. He directs us to create an atmosphere to flourish and not one of defeat.
Let us look at the purpose for marriage and other Godly relationships as well as the plans the Lord has for us inside of these connections.
The Central Purpose For Marriage
In marriage, there are some specific goals as a couple that are met in the covenant union between a man and a wife. Such goals are: to mimic God’s image, companionship, and to create a legacy of multi-generational faith. We can find these goals in several verses throughout God’s Word.
Image:
Matthew 19:4-6 NIV
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
John 17:22-23
Companionship:
Genesis 2:18
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Philippians 2:3-4
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.
Legacy:
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Bonus Scripture for God’s dream for His children and the mission for relationships and marriage:
Romans 9:25
As he says in Hosea:
“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one”
Ephesians 3:2
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Plan in Marriage and Godly Relationships
Despite if we find ourselves in a marriage relationship or living a single life, God wants us to be in fellowship with those who will spur us on in faith and in who will seek to push us to walk a Spirit-filled life. Regardless of differences, weaknesses, or selfishness in relationships, God places us among those who can challenge us to walk in a way that glorifies Him and edifies the church. The necessity of the Gospel is what our focus should be no matter who we encounter and the depth of the relationship that we have with them.
These are verses that we can use to encourage one another in faith and to keep one another accountable for our Christian walk.
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:8
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Ephesians 4:30,32
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
As we walk this life in relationship with fellow believers, it’s important to understand what comes first. As much as we place our spouses, children, parents or friends as our priorities, our first thoughts should be placed on our Lord. That is where we will find our hope and strength. Our wisdom will come from Him and His statues. Once we put our trust in His truth, we will use that gained understanding to move forward to uplift one another with our words and actions.
As we grow, we will find the respect that God has set up for us as believers to have for one another. When we speak truth in love, we will build trust with consistency and time. Click To TweetProverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
This is beautiful, Maryann!
Pinned and will post to the IE Facebook.
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thank you.
What a great resource of verses about relationships Christians are to have with their spouse or others.
Thanks for sharing this Good Word here.
One of the best books I ever read on marriage is called Sacred Marriage. It really puts into perspective the fact that our marriages are to emulate Christ’s marriage with His bride the church.
Blessings,