Men's Devotional Bible
What God Has Joined Together
Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4
You probably have a friend or acquaintance who’s been divorced. Maybe you’ve gone through a divorce yourself. Unfortunately, it’s a common event in many relationships today. Legal terms like “no-fault” and “uncontested” fuel the idea that divorce is an easy, acceptable alternative to marriage. Divorce is so common that people now view it as just another option to be considered in the context of modern relationships.
Some people even look to the Bible to justify divorce. They search Scripture to find “loopholes” in God’s rules for marriage. But they miss the point when they hunt for God’s permission to divorce.
For a deeper understanding of God’s perspective on marriage, we need to look at the provisions he extends to newlyweds in Deuteronomy 24:5. God excuses the recently married man from many responsibilities—including military service—for a full year so that he can give his full attention to his wife.
Think about that. God’s gift to newlyweds was a whole year to work on building a solid foundation in their marriage. One year for the husband to learn to meet his wife’s needs. One year to hone their communication skills. One year to prepare for life’s journey together, and perhaps even start a family.
God clearly supports the institution of marriage. Throughout Scripture he offers invaluable help to husbands and wives who commit themselves to each other for life. If you’re single and thinking about getting married someday, consider the importance God places on a strong foundation for each beginning couple.
If you’re married, think about this: What if you’d been given a year after your wedding to focus only on your wife? How would your relationship be different today? It’s not too late to find out. Maybe you don’t have an entire year, but you can start with a day at a time. Clear your schedule so that you can give your wife your undivided attention. If you have commitments that take you away from home on the evenings and weekends, consider dropping one or two of them to focus on your relationship. Listen to her concerns. Commit yourself to meeting her needs. Look for ways to bring her happiness. With God’s help, you can turn your marriage into a love story for the ages.
To Take Away
- What would you say to a friend who is contemplating divorce?
- What’s the biggest challenge in your marriage right now?
- What specific steps can you take this week in order to deepen your relationship with your wife?