The book of Genesis shows us God's plan for marriage. It teaches the basic ideas of this special bond between one man and one woman. In Genesis 2:24 (ESV), the Bible says: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse explains the main idea of marriage: a man and a woman joining together to become one.
The story of Isaac and Rebekah is a great example of God's plan. It’s a story about faith, trust, and love. Isaac’s father, Abraham, sent his servant to find a wife for his son. At a well, the servant met Rebekah. She kindly gave him a drink and even watered his camels. The servant saw her kindness and knew God had chosen her for Isaac (Genesis 24:1–20).
This story teaches us about God’s plan for love and friendship in marriage.
PERFECTLY DESIGNED
Marriage wasn't a random idea. It was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. God created man and woman to be like Him, giving them unique qualities that complete each other. In marriage, a man and a woman become a team. Their love and unity show us what God's own love is like.
Marriage is very important for building strong families and communities. It gives a safe and stable home for raising children and carrying out God’s plan for families to grow. A husband and wife working together create the best home for children to grow up healthy and strong, in both body and spirit. A loving home with a mother and a father gives children the best start in life.
Marriage is not just practical; it's also very important spiritually. The bond between a husband and wife is a picture of the love between Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:25 teaches husbands to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. It also teaches wives to respect their husbands, just as the church respects Christ. This special love, where each person puts the other first, is a powerful example of God's love for everyone.
“God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided ‘an help meet for him’—a helper corresponding to him—one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self; showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation. ‘For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it.’ ‘Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one’”
Today, some ideas work against God's plan for marriage. But we must stay true to the Bible's teachings. Christ honored marriage by using it as a picture of his relationship with his people. He is the Groom, and the church is the bride. Of his church, He says, “Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee” (p. 26).
Marriage is a picture of God's love and unity. It shows the deep spiritual and emotional connection between a husband and a wife. Nothing else can be a substitute for this beautiful plan. Let's be happy to share the good news about God's plan for us.
Aurora Canals serves as associate ministerial secretary for pastoral spouses and families.
This article first appear in Stronger Together, Issue Three, 2024. Used with permission.