Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Marriage: Celebration of Unity and Partnership 

Bible Reading:  Psalm 128

Key verse:  3

 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine, within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Psalm 128:3 

DEVOTION

Marriage is a sacred union of man and a woman. Marriage begins as two choose to become one. One in faith and as followers of Christ in faith and actions. Psalm 128:1 begins by stating Blessed are those who fear the Lord. Marriage from the scripture points to the couple choosing to come together in Christian faith to live a life with spiritual oneness. Hence they are no longer two but one in flesh (Mathew 19:6). How does this union become a celebration?  When there is unity in life there is joy and happiness. A married life calls for responsibilities, to walk with Christ, by deriving constant strength and divine guidance. A unity in marriage is also a constant renewal. Is it important to work through conflict rather than walk away? Love, forgiveness and commitment is every day’s need. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”(Genesis 2:24) Paul instructs the church in Philippians 2:2-4 to make his joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Love is central to unity in marriage. Blessed are those who walk in obedience to Him. (Psalm 128:1). Unity in marriage in Mathew Gospel states as they are no more two, but one flesh (Mathew 19:6). This implies a divine joining of two shall not be separated by man or circumstances in their shared life together. Prophet Amos asks “do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3) Where there is unity in life there is joy and happiness. In 1 Samuel 1:8 Elkanah comforted Hannah by saying “I am I not more to you than ten sons”? His love for her was so much that he gave her a double portion (1Samuel 1:5.) When there is a healthy family relationship there are healthy children born to the family. Scripture in Psalm 128:3 compared children to olive shoots around your table. Children are a heritage from the Lord” Psalm 127 (3-5) What is partnership in marriage? Shared responsibilities and honesty to achieve God’s will e.g. Acquilla and Precilla in Romans chapter 16:4. When there is lies, deceit and disrespect there occurs no unity and partnership. No one is sinless but repentance and forgiveness will lead to love and unity. Ephesians 4:32 states Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. 

PRAYER

 Lord help us to walk in love with each other by keeping our Lord as central to our life. Grant us wisdom to navigate challenges and the strength to celebrate the joys of life. Help us to be compassionate where it is needed and offer help and support to those in need. Help us to grow together in faith and Love.  In Jesus' Precious name we pray. Amen 

Thought for the DAY

How does marriage become a celebration? 

Mrs Jessy Benjamin St. Mathews Mar Thoma Church Toronto 

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