According to the Bible Book of Genesis, God’s original intent for creating man is that both male and female would;
- bear the image of God,
- share in God’s blessing, and
- join in God’s work.
Let us look at Genesis 1:26-28: “26 Then God said, “Let US make man in OUR image, according to OUR likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:22-25; “Then the Lord God made a WOMAN from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of a man.” For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame… “
Tension, confusion, frustration, and even spiritual defeat often confronts believers as they try to balance their family life while serving God their creator. As we just read in the scriptures above, a family is the God-given role and it is important to Him. That is why the devil’s number one priority is to destroy and devastate families. John 10:10(b) says that the devil comes to kill, to steal and to destroy.
In the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis the Bible gives us insight into God’s original intent for marriage, family and relationships.
We also confirm from the Scriptures above that:
- Both male and female were created in the image of God.
- Both male and female were given the task of ruling (tending to or caring for) the earth – God’s creation. They were given dominion.
- Both male and female were blessed by God to bear fruitful and replenish the earth
- Both male and female were created by God to walk side-by-side with each other.
- Both male and female were created as a match for one another, of the same flesh and bones to become one flesh. They were not to be shameful of each other.
God instituted marriage right from the beginning of creation
The Bible puts it like this: “From the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife…Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:6-9).
The Bible says in Hebrews 13:4; “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled” We have already seen that God performed the very first wedding at the end of Creation week and blessed the new couple (Genesis 1:27, 28). We therefore see that marriage is something that God Himself instituted and blessed. This is important, because it tells us that marriage is a good thing. It is one of the blessings that God has given us from the very beginning.
God requires married couples to share the same values, the same goals and the same outlook. To work together in order to build a strong, godly family and raise their children to be good and godly people.
It’s important to note that God initiated the very first marriage in Eden. Marriage comes from God. His union of Adam and Eve illustrates God’s ideal for marriage—one man and one woman joined together in a life-long commitment to each other, working together to form strong, godly families.
Please Note: There cannot be a successful marriage without a successful relationship
For any marriage relationships to thrive God’s way, the following has to be taken seriously by both parties
- FAITHFUNESS: Couple have to be dedicated, steadfast, devoted, dependable and truthful each other. Naturally, humans have a tendency to be faithful to what they think is truly important to them be it a job, family, friend and so forth. God encourages faithfulness and loyalty especially to one another (2 Chronicles 16:9)
- COMMUNICATION: Couples have to train to listen to each other. Not just hearing each other but listening to what is being said. They also ask each other’s opinions. They know when to respond to each other and when to just listen. They understand each other’s point of view. They listen to each other because they care for one another. No one brushes each other’s ideas off but desires to know what the thoughts and values are as well as opinions of each other.
- CREATING TIME FOR EACH OTHER: Couples have to desire to spend time with each other. Married couples can be very busy, with their carriers at times but when spouses spend time with each other, they are saying they matter to each other. Couple need to even go to an extend of sacrificing other things to make the time for each other. This places their relationship as a priority.
- BOTH HARD WORKING: Both couples have to be willing to works hard. If husband spends 40 hours (or more) to provide for his family, then I think it’s safe to say that the family is important to him and that he dearly loves his family. If the wife spends time taking care of the important things in the house or if you a working mom in hard work, then you also signaling to your husband that you care.
- SHARING: Both couples have to learn to share with each other. It is NOT only a husband responsibility to share his life with his wife but versa. They share equally and everything with each other. Sharing is caring.
- SPECIAL TREATS: Both couples have to desire to do special things for each other. Example; a husband can choose do things he doesn’t want to do for his wife. This could be example – if a wife suggests they watch a movie together or invites the husband to help in washing dishes, cooking, doing laundry or even helping take care of the house decor. A husband may suggest to the wife to watch a special game with him or even to even go to his favorite game. When couples make these sacrifices for each other, that’s another way of saying they loves each other.
- SENSITIVITY: Both couples have to be sensitive to each other’s feelings. They are NOT crude or rude when they reply to each other. Their words build and edify each other. They are careful NOT to hurt each other’s feeling. They are quick to ask for forgiveness from each other or say sorry if someone says something insensitive.
- HONORING EACH OTHER’S PRESENCE: Both couples have to purpose to be present for each other during challenging moments. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. They are not on their phone, computer or other things that steals their attention, but the couples are constantly careful to brush away any distractions so they can focus on each other
- ADMITTING ONES MISTAKES: Both couples have to learn to admit to each other when one is wrong. Many men struggle to control their pride apologizing may be difficult – but it is vitally important to say sorry when one is in the wrong if the relationship is to flourish.
- MAKING BIG DECISIONS TOGETHER: Couples have to involve each other when making big decisions. They NOT ONLY involves each other in big decisions, but desires to know what each think about them. They value each other’s input and participation.
- SHOWING INTEREST IN EACH OTHER’S HOBBIES: Both couples have to be interested in each other’s life. They continue to make an effort to get to know each other deeper. The husband develops an interest in the wife’s daily work, school, family and everything else she is involved with and the wife does the same. They try to know each other in a deeper more personal way.
- SHOWING EXPRESSIONS OF MISSING EACH: Both couples need to show expressions that they miss one another. Missing each other when they are separated.
- PRAYING TOGETHER: The couples need to be praying together daily. Couples must practice the habit of joining together in prayer each and every day. Due to many things and decisions that have to be made each and every day, couples need to depend on God to lead them. Philippians 4:6 declares; “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”
- STUDYING GOD’S WORD: Couples need to read God’s Word together. The Scriptures tell us that God’s Word is a LAMP for our feet and a LIGHT for our path: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105) In the natural realm, we greatly depend on electricity to light up our homes, businesses, driveways, and streets. Couples need to familiarize themselves with God’s Word. To know what God expects of them.
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