|
|
by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." (Ephesians 5:25)
How good is your married life?
Love is the only medicine to save the wheels of a wobbling marriage before it crash lands. Marriage is a holy union, a living symbol, a precious relationship that needs tender, self-sacrificing care. Marriage is not a practical necessity or cure for lust as the world now moves. It works only when both submit to each other just as they love each other.
Submission does not mean sacrificing or letting go of one's individuality. True submission comes when both husband and wife submit each other to the authority of Christ. Then, we live for Him and live for each other. How should a man love his wife?
a) He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her
b) Her well being should be his primary concern
c) Care for her as he cares for himself.
No wife would need to fear submitting to a man who treats her in this way. More Americans now believe that the institution of marriage may soon become obsolete. The old definition of marriage between man and women is now redundant. Co-habitation and application of common law practices are now widely prevalent in most of the western societies. God's command and purpose of marriages is getting outdated in the modern-day, high profile, fantasy marriages. If we want love, peace and joy here on earth and in heaven, then we should follow God's marriage commandment – "till death do us apart."
John and Annie, graduates from simple, middle income families got married in 1975. Annie got a government job in Delhi and so, the couple moved to the city. Soon, John got a job in a private company. Both are regular church-goers and never miss their daily morning and night family prayers. Later, they moved to Chennai for better prospects. There, john didn't get a job. Meanwhile they were blessed with three boys. Then, the family decided that John would stay at home to take care of the boys and the housework, while Annie would be the breadwinner. This arrangement worked out very well for them and they soon adjusted their way of life with a single income. The children have grown up with good family values, are highly educated, and are in well paid jobs now. The children appreciate their parents and have a great relationship with them. I have always seen them as a happy family. The eldest one is married with a kid, and they too, have a happy married life.
Marriages take place on earth. When love is lost, marriage is lost. So, we should make conscious efforts to love each other and keep the marriage going. Above all, we need to seek God's grace to bless us with a happy married life.
Jesus, show mercy on those who are struggling to keep their marriages intact. May your grace and love always hover over married people. Let the people have the mind to receive it and have peaceful, loving families. We pray for those who are single, widowed, divorced and childless to have your grace and guidance. All we ask in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Yesterday | Today with Jesus Archives | Next
Weekly Devotionals | Sermons | Essays | Articles | Bible Study | Library - Home | Baselios Church Home
-------
Malankara World
A service of St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox
Church, Ohio
Copyright © 2009-2020 - ICBS Group. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Website designed, built, and hosted by
International Cyber Business Services, Inc., Hudson, Ohio
