“…a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become one flesh…”
Mark 10:7-8
What’s the key to making our marriage last?
In today’s world of broken relationships, this is a question I’m often asked.
Well, there are several Biblical references that offer insight into building a happy marriage, but there’s one key verse that is found in both the Old and New Testaments: “
…a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become one flesh..” (Mark 10:7-8).
The theme is clear: We are to leave, cleave, and weave.
How do we do that?
- Leave – A man shall leave his mother and father. In other words, each partner in the marriage is to prioritize their spouse over any other. This includes friends, parents, siblings, and even children. Our spouse should be our best friend. If you are married and find yourself closer to anyone other than your spouse, your priorities are out of whack.
- Cleave – Cleave to each other. The word “cleave” means to join fast together, to glue, or cement. These definitions imply there will always be pressures to pull the marriage apart: things like busyness, work, family demands, financial concerns, health problems, infidelity, etc. And yet, marriage is to be a lifetime commitment. It should be something that even these very real pressures cannot pull apart.
- Weave – The two shall become one flesh. Sexual intimacy and fulfillment is a by-product of a healthy marriage relationship. It symbolizes how a husband and wife become one.
There’s no ‘one-size fits all’ solution for the perfect marriage. In fact, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage.
However, Scripture offers a blueprint for building a foundation that can help marriages withstand even the toughest of times.
Want a marriage that endures?
Leave. Cleave. Weave. Three crucial components for a lasting marriage.
How’s your marriage?
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
DIG DEEPER
Read “Marriage – Going the Distance” also by Bryant Wright
