Marriage is sacred and therefore, should be revered. In Christian life, it is an issue of utmost importance what with many marriages breaking apart these days. If only Christians follow God's teachings in the Bible, perhaps many relationships could last for a lifetime and many families could lead happy, harmonious and peaceful lives. But then again, life's trials especially those concerning relationships are sometimes just too complicated and difficult for some people to carry that they end up giving up.

A solid Christian faith is needed to nurture marriage. Married couples with a strong spiritual life can truly benefit from divine guidance. Isn't it that when you made your marriage vows before God in a Christian matrimonial ceremony? It follows then that couples should always put God first in the center of their marital relationship no matter what. According to the director of Global Insight for Cultural and Family Renewal, Glenn Stanton, in his book "Why Marriage Matters: Reasons to Believe in Marriage in Postmodern Society," religious commitment more than affiliation in religious organizations is a major factor in a successful marriage.

There are numerous books as well as magazines dedicated to marriage counseling but of course, the Bible is the primary authority. This holy book actually contains over 500 references on marriage in the Old and New testament. An important passage on marriage is taken from the Book of Genesis 2:18, 21-24 which relates the first wedding. "The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper meant for him... and while he was asleep, God took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord made a woman from the rib he had taken out from the man and he brought her to him. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman for she was taken out of man. For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage is usually read during most Christian weddings in hopes of imparting its true value to couples. This only shows that marriage was created by God whose purpose in uniting man and woman is based on companionship and intimacy.

As to how a husband and wife should carry out their roles towards each other, Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 23-32 tells us. "For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church; he gave his life to be her Savior. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything. And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make to make her holy and clean. Husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he love his wife."

In Peter, 3:1-5, 7, the couples' roles are further expounded. "You wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. You godly lives will speak to them better than any words. Don't be concerned about outward beauty...you should be known from the beauty that comes from within...In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding...She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life."

The Bible's requisites may be very challenging particularly to the wife who needs to submit to his better half. But there is really no harm in following God's way if you wish to keep your marriage for life. After all, the verses promise that a wife can win over husband through her godly behavior and inner beauty and that this is more effective than words. Furthermore, although both have different roles to play in marriage and in their family life, the husband and wife are equal partners in the eyes of God.

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