What actions can honor marriage as "held in honor by all"? The Benchmark: Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” Embrace God’s Definition of Marriage • One man and one woman in lifelong covenant (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). • Receive it as His good gift, not a human invention. • Reject re-definitions that contradict Scripture. Guard Sexual Purity Before and Within Marriage • Abstain from sexual activity outside the covenant (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • Flee pornographic and lust-filled media (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Within marriage, remain exclusively faithful (Proverbs 5:15-19). Cultivate Covenant Faithfulness • Keep vows “for better or worse,” mirroring God’s steadfast love (Malachi 2:14-16). • Practice sacrificial love and respect (Ephesians 5:25-33). • Confront conflict quickly and forgive freely (Colossians 3:13). Speak Well of Marriage • Celebrate anniversaries and highlight godly examples. • Refuse cynical jokes or disparaging comments (Proverbs 18:21). • Publicly affirm marriages at church, in family gatherings, and online. Model Christlike Love in the Home • Pray and read Scripture together daily. • Show tenderness, honor, and understanding (1 Peter 3:7). • Serve one another’s needs before your own (Philippians 2:3-4). Offer Community Support to Marriages • Older couples mentor younger ones (Titus 2:3-5). • Small groups provide accountability and prayer (Galatians 6:2). • Churches offer biblical counseling and marriage enrichment events. Honor the Marriage Bed • Reserve sexual intimacy exclusively for one’s spouse. • View intimacy as worshipful, not merely physical (Hebrews 13:4). • Address medical or emotional issues openly, seeking help when needed. Train the Next Generation to Esteem Marriage • Teach children God’s design early and often (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Model affectionate, respectful behavior they can imitate. • Celebrate weddings as covenant worship services, not mere social events. Live as a Single Who Honors Marriage • Uphold purity and treat members of the opposite sex as brothers and sisters (1 Timothy 5:1-2). • Encourage married friends rather than envy them. • Prepare for possible future marriage by growing in Christlike character. Putting It All Together When every believer—married or single—embraces purity, faithfulness, edifying speech, and covenant love, marriage is “held in honor by all,” and God receives the glory He deserves. |
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