Topical Bible: Love and Marriage

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Love

In the Christian tradition, love is a central theme that permeates the entire biblical narrative. The Bible presents love as an essential attribute of God and a fundamental principle for human relationships. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This verse underscores the divine nature of love and its importance in the believer's life.

The New Testament provides a detailed description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 : "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This passage, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," is frequently cited in Christian weddings and serves as a guide for how love should manifest in relationships.

The greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus, emphasize love as the fulfillment of the law. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus declares, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" These commandments highlight the dual focus of love in the Christian life: love for God and love for others.

Marriage

Marriage, as instituted by God, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman. The biblical foundation for marriage is established in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse illustrates the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong union characterized by unity and intimacy.

The New Testament further elaborates on the roles and responsibilities within marriage. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a framework for the marital relationship, emphasizing mutual love and respect. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of love and the call for husbands to lead with Christ-like humility and devotion.

Marriage is also portrayed as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. In Revelation 19:7 , the marriage of the Lamb is celebrated: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This imagery underscores the spiritual significance of marriage as a symbol of divine love and redemption.

The Bible also addresses the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital relationship. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This verse affirms the importance of fidelity and purity within marriage, reflecting God's design for a committed and exclusive partnership.

In summary, love and marriage are deeply intertwined in the biblical narrative, with love serving as the foundation for a godly marriage. The Bible presents marriage as a covenantal relationship that mirrors the love of Christ for His church, calling believers to embody this love in their marital commitments.

Topical Bible Verses

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
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Library

Of the Love of Offspring as a Plea for Marriage.
... Book I. Chapter V."Of the Love of Offspring as a Plea for Marriage. Further
reasons for marriage which men allege for themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to his wife/chapter v of the love of.htm

The Marriage of Christian Hearts.
... Only His work standeth fast,. When nought else endures the blast. See the children
of His love. Who in holy marriage dwell,. In what tranquil joy they move,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the marriage of christian hearts.htm

The Adornment of the Spritual Marriage
... Title Page. INTRODUCTION. THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE: THE FIRST BOOK.
PROLOGUE. ... CHAPTER XI. OF SENSIBLE LOVE. CHAPTER XII. OF DEVOTION. CHAPTER XIII ...
//christianbookshelf.org/john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/

At the Marriage Feast
... loved disciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross, the love
expressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

That Love Rules Over all the Affections, and Passions, and Even ...
... carnal, if this be spiritual she is spiritual, and all the affections of desire,
joy, hope, fear, grief, as children born of the marriage between love and the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that love rules.htm

Of Sensible Love
The Adornment of the Spritual Marriage. <. ... THE SECOND BOOK CHAPTER
XI. OF SENSIBLE LOVE. From inwardness there springs ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xi of sensible love.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... by the cords of love to come in. For our master's house must and shall be filled.
He will not shed his gracious blood in vain. Come then, come to the marriage. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment.
... Blessed are wisdom and courage, joy and health, and beauty and love and marriage,
childhood and manhood, corn and wine, fruits and flowers; for Christ redeemed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/iv out of the deep.htm

Christ the Best Husband: or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women ...
... work; and the marriage feast will be kept in his Father's house, in heaven, when
they shall be received into the nearest and closest embraces of his love. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the best husband or.htm

How Good Men in their Contemplation have the Love of God Before ...
The Adornment of the Spritual Marriage. <. ... THE BOOK OF SUPREME TRUTH CHAPTER
XI. HOW GOOD MEN IN THEIR CONTEMPLATION HAVE THE LOVE OF GOD BEFORE THEM ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xi how good men.htm