AP

Day 45: Husbands and wives

Marriage is a holy union; a covenant between a man and a woman, blessed by God. It is a creation ordinance, not a Christian ordinance, such as baptism. Jesus Christ honoured marriage by attending a marriage feast at Cana in Galilee (John 2:1-11). We are warned to never enter marriage lightly or carelessly, but with serious thought as to God’s design and purposes for marriage. Both marriage and celibacy have their own unique blessings under God, and both are “gifts” from Him (1 Cor. 7:7).

An excellent wife, that is a wife of godly character, is the crown of her husband (Prov. 12:4)! The wisdom of a godly wife is greater than wealth and riches (Prov. 19:14). May God so bless our marriages and may husband and wife spur one another on to glorify Him in all aspects of marriage.

Every marriage is the coming together of two people with sinful hearts and therefore, every marriage will face troubles. The proverbs warn us against quarrelling in our marriages (Prov. 21:9). Quarrelling does little but increase tension. May we take seriously the marriage vows that we undertook and seek all the more to fulfil them.

The Bible has specific commands for husbands and wives. Husbands are to gently love their wives as Christ loves the church (Eph. 5:25). The highest standard! Wives are to lovingly submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Eph. 5:22). May we pray for our husbands and wives, grateful for the Lord’s blessing and seeking to obey Him.  

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.

– Prov. 12:4

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

– Prov. 14:1

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord.

– Prov. 18:22

 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

– Prov. 19:14

It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

– Prov. 21:9

Gracious God, thank You for Your design in celibacy and in marriage. Thank You that both are gifts from You. For those who are married we ask for Your blessing upon their marriages. Let marriage vows be taken seriously and let us be earnest to fulfil our word.

Teach us from these proverbs to better love our husband or wife. Let Christ Jesus be the centre of all. Let forgiveness, love, submission and grace abound. May our marriages be a reflection of Christ Jesus, the great bridegroom who loves His bride with a love holy and true.

We ask this for the glory of Your Name,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes