By bro Lee Tian Seng
We need to learn how to drive and pass a test to get a driver’s licence. We also need to know and obey the safety rules. If drivers do not follow rules, they risk getting into a road accident. Marriage is more difficult to navigate than driving on a street. Yet, very few people are concerned about learning about marriage and its rules.
Most people learn about marriage from their parents. If your parents have a good marital relationship, it is worthwhile to follow them. However, not all parents are good examples for one to follow. Their marriage relationship may not be right and may not be scriptural.
Some people follow the instructions of marriage experts and their books. These experts are not entirely wrong and their advice can be helpful. However, some experts dish out advice that is not aligned with the teachings of the Bible. For example, some teach that couples who cannot get along should divorce. The Bible teaches that we should not divorce our spouse (Matthew 19:9).
Some people follow what the society does. Though it is commonly practiced and can be good, we need to be careful of traditions and practices that are contrary to the teachings of God. For example, it is common for couples to live together and have sexual relationships before marriage, but God teaches that intimate relationships should be reserved for married couples (Hebrews 13:4).
We should instead learn marriage from the Bible, the Word of God. It was God who created man and woman, and instituted marriage, so He knows what is best for us and how husband and wife should live together.
Genesis 2:23-24 - And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.