MARRIAGE THAT WORKS Part 2
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE— “MARRY/AGE”
The word “marriage” is a compound word that describes two important realities: ‘marry’ (to combine or bring together) and ‘age’ (the length of time someone has lived, symbolizing maturity). Maturity refers to one’s ability to respond appropriately and effectively to situations or circumstances. It is this maturity that gives rise to responsibility—the ability to respond in a way that nurtures and strengthens the marriage.
When you marry these two realities, you have the coming together of a man and woman through the maturity that enables them to positively respond to each other, thereby adding value to each other’s lives. This is the core principle that drives marriage and makes it work. It is the truth that sets couples free to relate to each other as companions committed to the divine strategy of two becoming one. They become a powerful team and partnership, one that not only thrives but also adds value to the world around them.
Maturity plays a significant role in whether a relationship succeeds or fails. For this reason, it is essential for couples to understand how maturity affects their ability to comprehend the principles of a healthy relationship and apply the necessary skills to maintain it. Maturity is also crucial in problem-solving within marriage.
Marriage is a product of character, not fleeting emotions. It is important to note that marriage is meant for men and women, not for boys and girls. As the Bible says, “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).
A great marriage is not about a “perfect couple” coming together. It is about an imperfect couple learning to enjoy their differences, understanding, and embracing the purpose of God in bringing them together. This, in essence, is maturity. The challenges that arise in marriage are unique to the institution itself and must be met with solutions. You can’t solve a problem with another problem. One or both partners must be wise enough to yield to the other in order to maintain harmony and function in the marital relationship.
As someone wisely said, “The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It’s a choice you make—not just on your wedding day, but over and over again—and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife.”
It is not a lack of love but a lack of friendship that often leads to unhappy marriages. The goal should never be to change your spouse, but rather to work on changing yourself, inspiring your spouse to embark on their own personal growth and transformation.
~ By Tony Osuobeni
