Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Keys to a Lasting Marriage [Part 2]

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Keys to a Lasting Marriage [Part 2]

Dear Reader,

God instituted marriage and family life and made the terms and limits of the marriage covenant available to us through His Word, called, the Bible. In one book I read, the author said, “You can have an exciting marriage, if only you understand the terms of the covenant of marriage and live within the limits of the covenant.”

This week, I will be sharing with you on the key of Understanding. The Bible says: Give me understanding, and I shall live (Psalm 119:145). Understanding is what makes for living. Understanding, therefore, means to know and comprehend the nature or meaning of something. Having understanding of what marriage entails will amount to outstanding success in marriage. Lack of understanding of the marriage institution is the reason why so many are frustrated in their marriage and family life today.

Husband and wife need to have a correct understanding of the significance of their marriage. Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Ephesians (5:22–33) and apostle Peter in his first letter (1 Peter 3:1–7) gave clear instructions to Christian believers on the way they ought to behave in marriage.

Marriage is not just the coming together of a man and woman for the purpose of procreation. Having children is one of the blessings of marriage, but it means much more than that. Some people think marriage is merely co-habiting with someone of the opposite sex. No! This perception is completely wrong! Marriage goes beyond that. It is a covenant relationship that must be entered into with a clear understanding. Many people entered into marriage without a good understanding of what they are into.

However, to enjoy a lasting marriage, co-operation between the husband and wife is a major requirement. Wherever the man does not co-operate with the woman or the woman does not co-operate with the man, fulfilment remains a dream that will never be realized.

Once you are married, there is no consideration for separation. Before you get into marriage, you must understand this, that there are no alternatives and nowhere else to go. By entering into the covenant of marriage, you have burnt the bridge behind you. This simple understanding will help you settle down and make your marriage and home an exciting and a loveable place to be.

May be, you are married, but are contemplating running away from your home, because of the challenges before you now. Hold on a while and work at it. You can make your marriage to be a lasting one. Remember, God’s Word says that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Particularly, if you are a believer, and your husband or wife is yet to become one. Don’t run away, and don’t give in to pressure. You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and light does not run away from darkness. Rather, it shines in darkness and darkness cannot comprehend it (John 1:5). So, stay put and ensure that your light is not put under the bushel, but on the lamp stand, so it can shine in your home and shatter every form of darkness.

Husband and wife must understand that when a man and a woman come together as husband and wife, they are expected to have entered a better way of living. The woman becomes the responsibility of the man. She is catered for, cherished and nourished by him. The husband brings in the material things, while she puts them together, making their home a place of glory. Both of them put in their time, strength, money, etc, to ensure that their home is built.

The Scripture explains the reason for marriage. God has created male and female to complement each other.  The woman is created to be a suitable partner for the man; she is created from the body of the man, and is of the same flesh and bone as the man.  The joining together of male and female in marriage creates the fundamental unity of humanity.  By joining together in sexual intercourse, husband and wife create a new life, which is the natural fruit of their marriage union.  It is God’s will that children are born into the family created by the one-flesh marriage union.

Husband and wife, through the fruitfulness of their marriage union, become father and mother to the children born, as a result of their one flesh-union.  Both Jesus, in the gospels of Matthew and Mark, and the Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:25–33, referred to Genesis 2:24 to explain the mystery of the one flesh-union created by marriage.

After creating Eve, it was declared that: A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 1:24).  The covenant made at marriage between a man and a woman was to join them to be one.  As much as you are joined to your own body, you are to be joined to your spouse.  As much as you love and care for your own body, you are to love and care for your spouse.

Marriage is a covenant requiring the participation of two people.  As much as one wants to try and make it work, if the other is unwilling, it simply will not be successful.  Therefore, before entering into any marriage covenant, it is important to make sure you know the person you are going to marry.

Understanding is one of the keys to a lasting marriage. To access this key, you must surrender your life to Christ. This is done by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer:

“Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan, to serve the Living God. From today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores:

Marriage Covenant
Making Marriage Work
Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

Click HERE to read other messages written by Pastor Faith Oyedepo