Articles
How Some Marriages Succeed
1. There is genuine love between husband and wife (Ephesians 5: 25,33). The relationship is not based on mere physical attraction. Love deepens with passing years.
2. There is unselfishness. Each has a sincere desire to please the other (Ephesians 5:28,31). The husband wants his wife to be happy and the wife wants her husband to be happy.
3. The pledge of loyalty is never forgotten no matter what happens (1 Corinthians 7:2-3). Each mate always thinks back on the serious vow of loyalty made to his or her companion: ‘ ... in sickness or in health, for richer or poorer, for better or for worse; till death do us part.’
4. Forgiveness is practiced (Ephesians 4:32). When mistakes are made or misunderstandings occur do tempers flare and are harsh words spoken or are apologies offered and forgiveness freely extended?
5. Understanding is shown (1 Peter 3:7-8). A good wife understands her husband and is charitable toward his weaknesses and pecularities. A good husband demonstrates sympathy and understanding toward his wife.
6. There is togetherness (Ephesians 5:31). Neither companion wants to be away from the other for long. They live, love, work, plan, laugh, cry, talk, and dream together. Marriage is a state of sharing.
7. There is mutual trust. A faithful wife is one in whom the heart of her husband safely trusts (Proverbs 33:11). A devout husband is one in whom his wife has confidence that dispels suspicions and fears.
8. There is honesty. Neither partner in marriage lies to the other (Colossians 3:9). Problems are discussed frankly, difficulties are admitted openly, and each feels free to confide in the other.
These are some reasons how marriages do succeed in this modern world. Regardless of how modern the world gets, let us live according to the age old principles found in God’s word.
