The Fight for Biblical Marriage “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).

The institution of marriage is being attacked from all sides! According to the American Psychological Association, 40-50% of first marriages and 60-67% of second marriages end in divorce. However, God’s design for marriage was never intended to dissolve on our human whim, cultural persuasions, or legal challenges. It is not a social contract but designed as a sacred union between a man and a woman, mirroring the very relationship between Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church.

Forces of evil are at work to devalue and distort the sanctity of God’s plan for families by bombarding us through news, Hollywood, and social media. However, biblical marriage is worth fighting for, and Christians must defend it!

Having said this, no marriage is perfect! It’s one of God’s greatest relational gifts to us, but also one of the most refining. We all fall short, but the Gospel of Jesus offers good news to everyone, with daily, applicable fresh starts, regardless of the past. Though society may not celebrate or encourage biblical, God-centered marriage, we choose to follow God’s path, knowing that as we trust in Him according to His Word, He is able to reconcile and redeem even the toughest situations.

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Let’s turn off the negative voices feeding our thoughts and hearts against marriage! This includes distancing from the influence of people and things standing in the way of a healthy relationship with our spouses. Commit to listening to positive, life-giving sources and say “no” to the lies of the enemy. Pray with us today!

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

“Let my cry come right into Your Presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from Your Word” (Psalm 119:169).

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the covenant of marriage. Help us to discern any negativity of thought and influence affecting us as we cling to You, especially when times are tough in marriage. Help us defend Your design for marriage, standing firm in our beliefs against forces that wish to tear marriage down, and to break through any strongholds keeping us from a healthy relationship with our spouses. Reconcile hard places in our hearts, giving us grace in our times of need. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: “Stand firm and you will win life” (Luke 21:19).