How Can You Improve Your Marriage? 10 Marriages in the BibleSample

Lot and His Wife

Verses for Reflection:

- Genesis 19

- 2 Peter 2:6–8

- Luke 17:32

Sin destroys any relationship. It silently erodes from within, affecting both the marriage externally and the heart of each spouse. Unfortunately, I see more and more couples who started with love but, after a few years, arrive at the words: “I hate you.” How does sin work? And is there a counteraction to it?

The story of this marriage is striking because it is filled with contradictions and confusion.

Firstly, Lot is called righteous, who suffered daily seeing what was happening in Sodom. Sin had reached such proportions that the entire city gathered at Lot's door to dishonor his guests. Note: even when these people lost their sight, they still tried to find the door.

I have a few questions.

Why did Lot remain in Sodom? No one forced him to live in one of the most depraved places on earth. How did he survive there spiritually? Perhaps he stayed because of his wife, who loved the city. She was likely local. Additionally, from a business perspective, it was advantageous—the city stood in a fertile and rich area.

Why did Lot offer the crowd his daughters instead of giving up his guests? Yes, at that time, hospitality was sacred. But protecting one’s own children is also a sacred duty of a father. This episode only underscores how terrible a place Sodom was. If you live in such an environment for too long, it seeps into your heart, changing your values and priorities.

Why did Lot and his family hesitate?

The angels came and warned them, but they delayed. The angels literally had to take them by the hands, urging them to flee and not look back. Despite the prohibition, Lot's wife looked back—and became a pillar of salt forever. Lot lost his wife, business, reputation, and respect. He became an outcast, afraid to live in cities, and settled in a cave with his daughters. And those daughters, not thinking long, committed incest and became pregnant by their father.

Their actions are shocking. But is it really surprising, considering where they lived? Sin destroys from within. They did what they thought was right, even though it was deeply immoral. By the way, their descendants became eternal enemies of Israel.

What significance does this story have for us today?

Firstly, we also live in a modern Sodom. We are surrounded by evil. The world functions incorrectly—and it affects us. It changes our perceptions of what is acceptable and what is not. The world influences marriage, diminishing its value. Remember: when was the last time you watched a movie that inspires strengthening marriage? Most likely, movies are filled with betrayals, disillusionment, and the romanticization of casual relationships without commitments.

Secondly, sin lives not only around us—it lives in our hearts. And it daily seeks to destroy us and everything around us. Even if we lost our sight, we would still be groping for the door to satisfy its cravings. Lot's wife missed sinful Sodom so much that she could not imagine life without it. Sin seems necessary and insurmountable. Its power is shocking. Look at a drug addict: they would give anything to get a dose that ultimately kills them. That’s how sin works—it seeks to be satisfied but kills everything.

That is why Jesus came into this world: to kill sin, to destroy its strongholds in our hearts, and to lead us out of Sodom—into His Kingdom. Will we follow Him, losing ourselves?

Questions for Reflection:

1. What sin reigns in your heart? How is it destroying your relationships?

2. Is there something in your life you are not ready to part with, even if God is calling you to leave it behind?

3. In what area are you not following Christ, trying to preserve your life? What might influence your decision?