How can we practically uphold marriage as "undefiled" in our daily lives? Honoring the Institution Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage must be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” • Recognize marriage as God’s idea, not merely a social contract (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). • Speak well of your spouse and of marriage in general; refuse jokes or comments that belittle it. • Guard your wedding vows: “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it” (Ecclesiastes 5:5). Guarding Heart and Mind • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). • Make a covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1); quickly turn from images, shows, or sites that stir lust. • Replace tempting thoughts with what is “true, honorable, righteous, pure, lovely” (Philippians 4:8). • Memorize 1 Corinthians 6:18-20—flee immorality because your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Protecting Physical Boundaries • Keep affection, flirtation, and intimate conversations for your spouse alone. • Avoid one-on-one settings that could invite secrecy or suspicion (Proverbs 5:8; Romans 13:14). • Use transparent devices—shared passwords, open calendars—to remove hidden pathways to sin. Cultivating Shared Intimacy • Schedule regular, unrushed times for physical closeness; “drink water from your own cistern” (Proverbs 5:15-19). • Communicate desires and concerns honestly; silence breeds distance. • Pray together—spiritual unity fuels emotional and physical unity (1 Peter 3:7). Practicing Covenant Love Daily Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” • Serve first, serve quietly: chores, notes, touches, listening. • Speak blessing rather than criticism (Proverbs 18:21). • Forgive quickly; “love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Building Accountability and Community • Invite a trusted same-gender believer to ask you hard questions about purity and faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Attend worship together; isolation weakens resolve. • Celebrate anniversaries and milestones with friends who value biblical marriage. Witness to a Watching World • A faithful marriage preaches louder than many sermons (Malachi 2:15). • Teach children and younger believers what Scripture says, modeling joyful obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)—including how you cherish your spouse and guard the marriage bed. |
    |