John and Samantha stood before the altar, surrounded by friends and family, their hearts filled with love and hope.
As they exchanged vows, they believeed they were embarking on a journey that would last a lifetime. Yet, as time passed, they found themselves facing challenges that threatened to tear them apart.
In the trying moments, it is vital to remember the profound truth found in the words of Jesus:
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
This powerful statement encapsulates the divine nature of marriage and serves as a reminder of the commitment made not just to each other but to God.
Key Takeaways
- Marriage is a divine union established by God.
- Unity in marriage reflects God’s intention for husbands and wives.
- The enemy seeks to divide couples through deception.
- Effective communication and affirmation are vital for maintaining harmony.
- A loving home fosters peace and strengthens relationships.
Biblical Foundation
The phrase “what God has joined” originates from Matthew 19, where Jesus addresses the Pharisees about the sanctity of marriage. He begins by reminding them of the creation story:
“Have you not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female?” – Matthew 19:4 (KJV)
This highlights that God created man and woman with distinct roles and purposes. Jesus continues:
“For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh.” – Matthew 19:5 (KJV)
Here, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is an organic union where two individuals become “one flesh.” In verse six, He reinforces this idea:
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (KJV)
This is a clear directive that underscores the importance of unity in marriage.
Different Translations
Understanding this concept can be further enriched by examining various translations of the Bible. The New International Version (NIV) states, “What God has joined together, let man not separate.”
Similarly, the New Living Translation (NLT) expresses it as: “Let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Each translation conveys the same essential message: marriage is sacred and should not be easily dissolved.
The Role of the Enemy
As we delve deeper into what “God has joined” means for marriages today, we must acknowledge that there are forces actively seeking to undermine this divine union.
The enemy—often referred to as the devil—hates marriages because they reflect God’s love and commitment. He aims to create division and strife within families.
Statistics reveal alarming trends in marriage breakdowns. Many couples who once stood united find themselves drifting apart.
This division is often a tactic employed by the enemy to weaken families and ministries alike. Jesus warned us about division in Mark 3:24-25 (KJV):
“24 If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
This highlights the importance of unity within marriage; without it, both partners face significant challenges.
Recognizing Deception
One of the enemy’s most effective strategies is deception. He whispers lies into our hearts, convincing us that our spouse is our enemy rather than our partner. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that escalate quickly.
In counseling sessions with couples facing difficulties, I often observe a common theme: each partner believes they are justified in their grievances against the other.
However, what they fail to realize is that they are on the same team. The enemy seeks to divide them by sowing discord and mistrust.
The Accuser’s Tactics
The devil thrives on conflict; he is known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). He will twist words and actions to create rifts between spouses.
When we allow ourselves to listen to these lies—believing our partner is at fault—we inadvertently give place to the devil in our homes.
To combat this deception, couples must remind themselves that they are united by God’s design. They should work together against external threats rather than viewing each other as adversaries.
Practical Steps for Unity
To foster unity in marriage, couples can adopt several practical strategies:
- Effective Communication: Open dialogue is essential for understanding each other’s perspectives. Make time for regular conversations where both partners can express their feelings without fear of judgment.
- Reject Strife: James 3:14-16 warns against bitter envy and strife: “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth” (KJV). Couples should strive for an environment free from contention.
- Affirmation: Regularly affirm your love for each other. Simple gestures like compliments or acts of kindness will strengthen your bond.
By implementing these strategies, couples will create a loving atmosphere where both partners feel valued and respected.
Building a Strong Foundation
At the heart of every successful marriage lies love—the kind of love described in Galatians 5:13-15 (KJV):
“13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”
Couples should prioritize serving each other rather than focusing on their own needs.
Creating an Oasis at Home
A loving home should be an oasis—a place where peace reigns and love flourishes. To achieve this:
- Establish Boundaries: Protect your relationship from external influences that may cause conflict.
- Foster Togetherness: Spend quality time together doing activities you both enjoy.
- Pray Together: Inviting God into your relationship through prayer invites His guidance and strengthens your bond.
When couples commit to nurturing their relationship based on these principles, they create a solid foundation built on mutual respect and love.
Conclusion
By understanding God’s plan and purpose for marriage couples can navigate their relationships with grace and purpose.
Remember that you are on the same team. This will help you to overcome challenges together and cultivate a loving environment where both partners thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does “What God has joined” mean?
A. This phrase refers to the sacred union of marriage established by God. It emphasizes that marriages should not be easily broken apart by human actions or decisions.
Q. How can couples strengthen their marriage?
A. Couples can strengthen their marriage through effective communication, regular affirmation of love, spending quality time together, and inviting God into their relationship through prayer.
Q. What role does deception play in marital conflict?
A. Deception often leads spouses to view each other as enemies rather than partners. The enemy uses lies to create misunderstandings and conflict within marriages.
Q. What does the Bible say about divorce?
A. The Bible teaches that divorce should be avoided whenever possible as it goes against God’s design for marriage. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 19 when discussing marital unity.
Q. How can I create a peaceful home environment?
A. You can create a peaceful home by establishing boundaries against external conflicts, fostering togetherness through shared activities, and prioritizing love and respect in daily interactions.
