Biblical MarriageSample

God’s Gift in Marriage

For most of my life, I didn’t truly understand God’s design for marriage. I had relationships, a few girlfriends, and eventually got married. But at that time, I thought phrases like “a Proverbs 31 wife” were just sayings—not a picture of God’s intention. I didn’t realize how deeply marriage ties into His purpose for us.

It wasn’t until my first marriage ended, and I began seeking God’s counsel, that I started to grasp the truth: marriage is a gift from Him. When I met my wife now, my eyes were opened to what God meant when He created a “helpmate” for man. She wasn’t just someone to share life with—she was God’s favor, walking beside me.

I’ll never forget the moment that truth settled in. I realized my wife wasn’t just my partner—she was evidence of God’s grace in my life. Through valleys of career transitions, co-parenting challenges, and moments of personal doubt, she has been both anchor and encourager. Many of the risks I’ve taken in my entrepreneurial journey were possible because of her support and belief in me.

Seeing my wife as God’s gift changes everything about how I respond to her. Gratitude replaces entitlement. Appreciation replaces complaint. Joy replaces frustration. She is not just “my wife”—she is living proof of God’s kindness and favor toward me.

Biblically, "God's Gift in Marriage" refers to marriage as a divine institution designed by God to bring blessings to humanity.

Here's what it entails:

● A "Good Thing" and Favor: Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) states, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord". This verse highlights the value and positive impact a good spouse brings to a person's life, and that it is seen as a blessing from God.

● Companionship and Support: God created humankind male and female and established marriage to provide a fitting helper, companionship, and support in life's journey.

● Oneness and Unity: Marriage is intended to unite two individuals into "one flesh," reflecting a deep spiritual, emotional, and physical bond.

● A Reflection of Christ and the Church: Marriage symbolizes the union of Christ and the Church, with the husband called to love his wife as Christ loves the Church, and the wife called to respect her husband.

● A Context for Family and Flourishing: Marriage provides the intended structure and stability for raising children and helps individuals and families to flourish and find happiness.

Examples of failing at God's gift in marriage (based on Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) and broader biblical principles)

The principle of finding a "good thing" in a spouse in Proverbs 18:22 (NIV) suggests that a good marriage is built on mutual love, respect, commitment, and a shared pursuit of God's will. When these principles are neglected, a marriage may suffer or fail. Here are some examples:

● Marrying someone for superficial reasons: Focusing solely on external factors like physical attractiveness or financial status rather than character, shared values, and a commitment to God can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict later in life.

● Lack of commitment and respect: When spouses fail to prioritize their relationship, choose selfish pursuits over the good of the marriage, or disrespect each other, it can erode the foundation of love and trust.

● Dishonoring or neglecting a spouse: Treating one's spouse with contempt, harshness, or taking them for granted can lead to emotional distance and resentment.

● Prioritizing outside relationships over the marriage: Placing friends, family, or even work above the relationship with one's spouse can create a sense of neglect and diminish the bond.

● Refusing to address conflict or work on differences: Allowing disagreements to fester without open communication, forgiveness, and a willingness to compromise can lead to bitterness and distance.

● Abuse or mistreatment: Any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal, violates the sacredness of the marriage covenant and demonstrates a profound failure to honor the gift of a spouse.

Ultimately, failing at "God's gift in marriage" comes down to a lack of commitment to God's design for marriage and the foundational principles of love, respect, and selflessness.

Reflection:

A spouse is a blessing from God, a sign of His favor. Gratitude for this gift creates a stronger, joy-filled marriage.

Application:

What’s one way you can express gratitude for your spouse today?