Contributor:
Joy Bollinger

THE PERFECT MARRIAGE

What is the perfect marriage? There are no “perfect marriages.” The only perfect marriage will be when Christ comes for His bride—the Church. Until then, marriage is the union of two very imperfect souls that have their own distinct personalities, likes and dislikes, opinions, and views. Those differences are challenging enough, so when expectations plummet, and the couple is not experiencing unbridled harmony, they begin to question the marriage.

Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice. To base love on feelings is folly, because feelings are built on emotions, which are transitory like the weather. Conversely, real love is steady and constant. It is patient and kind. It does not envy; it does not brag and is not proud. It does not dishonor the other, and does not demand its own way. It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. The love, that God wants us to have for our spouse always protects, trust, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails (I Corinthians 13:4-7).

Marriage must be a partnership and not a collision of wills. A couple that is united in the purposes of God can successfully navigate through challenges that will surely come. But to do that, they must work together as one, without having any expectations that their spouse will “complete them” as a person. Only God can make us whole in body, mind, and spirit.

I have heard people say,  “We are just too different. We’ve drifted apart.” Ironically, those opposite traits initially drew each to the other before marrying. If batteries didn’t have opposite polarities, they wouldn’t work. Contrasting polarities can enrich a marriage, when both appreciate and embrace those differences with biblical love.

During the first two years of our marriage, my husband and I struggled with respectfully communicating our opinions to each other. Fortunately, we have always been united in our desire to obey God’s Word and be led by His Holy Spirit. We knew that unforgiveness, criticism, and keeping record of wrongs are major deathblows to a marriage. Therefore, we resolved to persevere in prayer with patience, forgiveness, and humility, to reach godly solutions (I Corinthians 13:4-7).

Constructive arguing can be healthy when a couple presents their viewpoint respectfully, calmly, and without accusations and insults. For a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Most importantly, a husband and wife must be dedicated in their praying for each other and with each other. Prayer must be combined with reading God’s Word to obtain knowledge, understanding, discernment, and insight into what is true, so that both may remain blameless before Christ. For love abounds when we have understanding of God’s Word and His teaching to love one another as He has loved us (Philippians 1:9-10; John 13:34). Additionally, we must be devoted to one another by loving, honoring, and giving preference to the other (putting the other first) (Romans 12:10). The task of preferring the other can be challenging, because the carnal flesh wants its own way.

What does it mean to be devoted? It means to be committed, loyal, faithful, true, steadfast, dedicated, loving, affectionate, caring, and admiring. Therefore, couples should never compare their marriage to other marriages. If devotion to God is first and foremost, then devotion to one’s spouse and to the marriage will follow.

There will always be disagreements throughout a marriage, simply because two individuals have, at various times, opposing thoughts and views. However, those issues can be amicably resolved when the couple expresses respect, humility, gentleness, patience, and is committed to encouraging and praying with and for each other.

An argument should never sever communication, nor should the sun go down on one’s anger (Ephesians 4:26). When a couple reaches an impasse, they should respectfully say to each other, “I love you. Let’s pray and ask God for His wisdom and guidance for…” That forces pride and ego to surrender, as both spouses join in unity to humble themselves before each other and the Lord. For “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1KJV)

Couples must be serious and vigilant in protecting their marriage, because “the adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). His purpose is to divide, conquer, and destroy families. Just as he brought division between Adam and Eve in the Garden, his goal is to create disharmony between a man and his wife. Once discord happens, the enemy has a foothold. That is why God tells us that where two or three gather in His name, He is in the midst (Matthew 18:20). And where God is present, the enemy is not. A husband and wife’s unity and commitment to prayer is the enemy’s nemesis.

How do we truly love one another? We learn by reading and understanding God through His Word, for He is the essence and embodiment of agape love. We are called to follow His example in everything we do just as a much-loved child imitates their father. We are to be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved us and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to take away our sins (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Marriage is a lifelong commitment that should never be entered into lightly. Therefore, it is imperative that couples, planning to marry, seek God’s will and His direction with all their heart.

Most newlyweds have a “forever” attitude, but in the blush of wedded bliss, there is a tendency to overlook the fact that marriage is not immune to heartache, disagreements, disappointments, illness, tragedy, and pain. The fairytale, happily-ever-after scenario is just that­—a fairytale. Those who have been married for any length of time will agree that the success or failure of a marriage depends upon their dedication to God and their commitment to each other. A marriage certificate does not come with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing perfect happiness and a conflict-free marriage.

There is only one lifetime warranty that can be applied to a marriage, and that is the Word of God. That is the truest warranty against failure, destruction, and marital implosion, for it is His Word that teaches us how to love and overcome conflict.

My husband and I have had our marriage under God’s warranty for 38 years and counting. It’s the best and most perfect warranty of all.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from [us], along with all malice. We are called to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave [us] (Ephesians 4:31).

PRAYER: FATHER, I thank you for our marriage. Teach us to communicate in love and to always listen and respect each other’s thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Help us to have patience, gentleness, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love for each other. Heal those broken areas and bring reconciliation where there has been division. For Your love covers a multitude of sins. In Jesus name, amen.