“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
Our weekly Christian devotional
The front door swung open. Karen could hear Dylan’s heavy construction tools being tossed roughly into their immaculate entryway.
“Dylan’s not the only one who had a rough day. I just spent most of today cleaning. He’s got some nerve making another mess!” Karen retreated to the bathroom to finish fuming.
“The last thing I’m going to do is smile at someone who is so insensitive to my needs. Everything is always about Dylan.” Karen’s painted nails tapped on the bathroom counter, exposing her bottled resentment.
At Dylan’s pleading, she had finally kicked her fifteen-year habit. But, if a cigarette magically appeared before her, Karen’s eight month hiatus would have ended right there.
“Why am I always the one making the changes?” Her resentment was beginning to morph into a slow burning rage.
Genesis 2:24 addresses the very serious covenant of marriage. God says that this oath is the only one that has the power of making two separate people become one in the spiritual realm. No other covenant is as life altering as this sacred oath.
Generally speaking, as God designed, males and females are very different in so many respects. If we are wise, we will capitalize on our spouse’s strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses. We will make the choice to protect them when they are weak, tired or vulnerable. Often, this responsibility is taken lightly. And many destroy the very fabric of the one they love because of a selfish or impulsive act.
Marriage exposes our vulnerabilities. God designed marriage to be an institution of safety. It is a place where we look out for our spouse’s needs over our own.
It’s important to guard your spouse—especially against your own natural tendencies and weaknesses. I’ve witnessed too many couples that end up hurting themselves by being insensitive to the needs of their better half. When a marriage is falling apart, I’ve noticed that is usually isn’t one major infraction that sets the atmosphere for failure. Usually, its several ‘little’ deeds over time that wear away the trust and ‘teamwork’ mentality that healthy marriages always seem to have.
If married couples were to put each other’s needs first and communicate clearly what those needs are, they are more able to come to an agreement on how those needs could be reasonably met. Many anger and resentment issues wouldn’t even have a place to take root.
God never said marriage would be easy, but He did say that it was a blessing. If you want to keep your blessing, it’s important to nurture your spouse as if he/she is the most important gift you have; because, that gift is actually a part of YOU.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I see from your word that marriage is a serious commitment.
I repent for not taking my marriage as seriously as I should. I haven’t been treating my spouse as if they were a valuable gift. I have taken my life mate for granted and haven’t nurtured their needs as I would my own.
I have been selfish in my marriage—thinking and taking care of me and putting my better half on the bottom of my priority list.
Lord, this has hurt my relationship terribly. But, I see how wrong I have been. Now, show me how I can make things right. I promise to seek your counsel through the word and I want to take the principles in the Bible and apply it to my marriage.
Many things need to change in both of us. Help us to be kind and patient with each other. I realize if I want to experience a better marriage, I must take responsibilities for my part in its deterioration. Help me to have the kind of humility I need to say I’m sorry to my spouse.
In the name of Jesus I break the cure of rebellion and self-centeredness in my heart. Show me how to change and I promise to tap into the power of God so I can do just that. I haven’t been able to do this on my own; I need you to help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading our weekly Christian devotional on verse: Genesis 2:24
Please check back and see what we have for you next week!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan