In what ways can we uphold the sanctity of marriage today? Hearing Jesus in Matthew 5:31 “Matthew 5:31: ‘It has also been said, “Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.”’” Jesus is addressing a culture that treated divorce casually, reducing covenant to paperwork. His next words (v. 32) warn that this mindset fosters adultery. The Lord’s point is plain: marriage is meant to be guarded, not discarded. Foundational Truths That Anchor Marriage • Genesis 2:24 — “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” God’s design predates sin, society, and civil laws. • Matthew 19:6 — “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Jesus reaffirms the Genesis pattern. • Hebrews 13:4 — “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” Honor is not optional; it is commanded. • Malachi 2:16 — “I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel.” Covenant breaking grieves God’s heart. Practical Ways to Uphold the Sanctity of Marriage Today 1. Cultivate a Covenant Mind-Set • View marriage vows as binding promises before God, not adjustable preferences. • Regularly rehearse those vows together; let them shape daily decisions. 2. Guard Purity—Body, Mind, and Screen • 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 calls believers to abstain from sexual immorality. • Install accountability software, limit flirtatious interactions, refuse “harmless” fantasies. • Celebrate intimacy exclusively within marriage; it is God’s good gift (Proverbs 5:18-19). 3. Practice Christ-Like Love and Respect • Ephesians 5:25—Husbands, love sacrificially as Christ loved the church. • Ephesians 5:33—Wives, respect and support your husbands. • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—Choose patience, kindness, truth, endurance every day. 4. Prioritize Communication and Forgiveness • “Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32). • Schedule regular, distraction-free conversations. • Keep short accounts; repent quickly, forgive freely. 5. Seek Biblical Counsel Early • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many counselors.” • In conflict, invite a trusted pastor or mature couple before the damage deepens. 6. Disciple the Next Generation • Talk openly with children about God’s design and the beauty of fidelity. • Model affection and unity; kids learn covenant faithfulness by watching. 7. Support Marriages in the Church Family • Host premarital classes, mentoring, and anniversary celebrations. • Provide childcare so couples can date and refresh their bond. • Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens.” Encourage those in crisis instead of gossiping. Guarding Our Hearts Against Cultural Drift • Media often normalizes adultery and no-fault divorce. Filter entertainment choices (Psalm 101:3). • Refuse cynical jokes that belittle spouses or marriage itself. Words shape attitudes (Proverbs 18:21). • Celebrate long-faithful couples; testimonies inspire hope that lifelong love is possible. Hope for the Wounded and Weary • If sin has fractured your marriage, remember 1 John 1:9—confess and receive cleansing. • Where divorce has already occurred, seek God’s forgiveness, pursue reconciliation where possible, and commit to honoring His design moving forward. • The gospel offers restoration; Christ redeems broken covenants and empowers new faithfulness. By taking Jesus’ warning in Matthew 5:31 as literal and weighty, believers today can live as bright witnesses to God’s unbreakable love, showcasing marriages that reflect the steadfast union between Christ and His church. |
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