Written By
Desmond Milligan
Marriage is not just a union of two people; it is a divine covenant established by God Himself. It is sacred, holy, and designed to reflect the love between Christ and His Church. Yet, marriage is also vulnerable to external pressures family interference, societal expectations, temptations, and spiritual attacks.
In this blog, we will explore the depth of marriage: what to share and what to keep private, why God deemed marriage sacred, how to protect it from outside influences, why the Devil targets marriage, what God says about its rules, how to live within His scope, what Jesus taught, what not to do, and the secrets of a healthy marriage. Along the way, we will weave in biblical stories, practical insights, and prayers to strengthen your relationship.
What Not to Share in Marriage
Marriage thrives on intimacy and trust.
Some matters must remain private between husband and wife.
- Arguments and struggles: Every couple faces disagreements.
Sharing these with outsiders can erode trust and invite unnecessary opinions. - Financial issues: Handle them together; exposing them to family or friends can create division.
- Intimacy details: The physical and emotional bond is sacred. Protect it from gossip.
- Children’s exposure: Do not burden children with adult conflicts. Shield their hearts from unnecessary pain.
Proverbs 11:13 reminds us: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Why God Deemed Marriage Sacred
From the beginning, God declared marriage holy. Genesis 2:24 says: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Marriage is sacred because:
- It reflects Christ’s covenant with the Church (Ephesians 5:25–32).
- It is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary contract.
- It is blessed for companionship, fruitfulness, and legacy.
- It is designed to glorify God through unity and love.
Protecting Your Marriage from Family
Family can be supportive, but they can also interfere. Protecting your marriage requires wisdom and boundaries.
- Leave and cleave: Genesis 2:24 teaches that spouses must prioritize each other above parents.
- Boundaries: Do not allow family to dictate decisions or undermine unity.
- Respect: Honor parents, but remember your spouse is your first covenant partner.
- Unity: Present a united front in decisions, even when family disagrees.
Why the Devil Targets Marriage
The Devil attacks marriage because it reflects Christ’s love.
If he can destroy marriages, he can weaken families, communities, and faith.
- Division: He sows quarrels and misunderstandings.
- Temptation: He lures spouses into infidelity or selfishness.
- Bitterness: He encourages unforgiveness and resentment.
- Isolation: He seeks to separate spouses emotionally and spiritually.
John 10:10 says: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
God’s Rules for Marriage
God’s Word provides clear guidance:
- Faithfulness: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
- Love: Husbands must love their wives as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25).
- Respect: Wives are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33).
- Unity: What God has joined together, let no one separate (Mark 10:9).
- Forgiveness: Bear with one another and forgive (Colossians 3:13).
Living Marriage Within God’s Scope
Treating marriage within God’s scope means living by His Word:
- Prayer together: Couples who pray together grow stronger.
- Scripture: Build your relationship on God’s truth.
- Service: Serve one another in love.
- Faithfulness: Remain loyal in heart and action.
- Holiness: Keep marriage pure and undefiled (Hebrews 13:4).
What Jesus Said About Marriage
Jesus affirmed marriage as sacred and lifelong. In Matthew 19:4–6,
He said: “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Jesus emphasized:
- Marriage is God’s design.
- Divorce was permitted only because of hardness of heart.
- Faithfulness and unity are essential.
What Not to Do in Marriage
- Do not betray trust through infidelity.
- Do not neglect communication.
- Do not allow bitterness to take root.
- Do not compare your spouse to others.
- Do not expose weaknesses publicly.
- Do not idolize self; marriage requires sacrifice.
The Secret of a Healthy Marriage
The secret is found in God’s Word:
- Christ at the center: A marriage built on Christ cannot be shaken.
- Prayer and worship: Couples who pray together grow together.
- Communication: Honest, loving dialogue builds trust.
- Forgiveness: Grace restores unity after conflict.
- Boundaries: Protect marriage from external interference.
- Sacrifice: Love means putting your spouse first.
- Joy: Celebrate one another daily.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
The third strand is Christ.
Biblical Stories of Marriage
- Abraham and Sarah: Their marriage endured trials, mistakes, and waiting. Yet God blessed them with Isaac, showing that faith and patience bring fruit.
- Ruth and Boaz: Their union reflected loyalty, redemption, and God’s providence.
- Mary and Joseph: Their marriage was marked by obedience to God’s plan, even in extraordinary circumstances.
These stories remind us that marriage is not perfect, but God’s grace sustains it.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Prayers for Marriage
Prayer for Unity:
Lord, bring peace to my marriage. Heal quarrels and restore love. Teach us to forgive and walk in truth.
Prayer for Protection:
Father, guard our marriage from the Devil’s lies. Surround us with Your presence. Protect our hearts and minds.
Prayer for Forgiveness:
Lord, help me forgive my spouse when hurt arises. Release bitterness from my heart. Teach me to walk in mercy.
Prayer for Joy:
God, fill our marriage with joy. Help us celebrate one another daily. Let laughter and love abound.
Conclusion
Marriage is sacred, designed by God to reflect His covenant love. Protect it from interference, resist the Devil’s attacks, and live within God’s scope. Jesus affirmed marriage as lifelong and faithful. Avoid betrayal, bitterness, and selfishness. The secret of a healthy marriage is Christ at the center, prayer, forgiveness, and joy.
Message: Treat your marriage as holy. Guard it with prayer. Build it on truth. Protect it from lies. Love sacrificially. And let Christ be the third strand that holds it together.
