Love: A Principal Ingredient in Marriage (Part 2) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Dear Reader,
Marriage is one of God’s most wonderful gifts to mankind. It is a treasure worth working on, cherishing and sustaining. His instructions are as valid today as ever. To follow them is to make the honorable, godly choice. No shame comes from following God’s instructions—only beneficial and lasting rewards. Last week, we saw God’s involvement in the journey of love and marriage. This week, we will be looking at Love as the First Principle of Marriage.
Marriage is a “holy estate” instituted by God, who created man and woman as equals. The man and the woman complement each other. Love is the first principle of marriage; the husband is to sacrifice himself for his wife, and the wife submits herself to her husband.
Love is the cement that holds the marriage union together. If you are not in love with your spouse, there is nothing to bind the relationship together. Love is the master key to a lasting marriage. Entering into marriage without love is coming into the world without a heart. Some men are not really in love, but they are only in a sexual relationship.
Love is the first or foundation principle in marriage. But what kind of love? Not sex. Sex in marriage is a good thing, but it’s not the “love” that makes a marriage strong. Not romance. Romance in marriage is a good thing, but it’s not the “love” on which a marriage is founded. There is a far greater love. This is the sacrificial and selfless love.
Jesus Christ demonstrated how to show true love. He exemplified God’s love for mankind. He showed true love through His focus on self-sacrifice, the seeking of the well-being and benefit of others at one’s own expense. That is true love!
Hebrews 3:4 says: For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Since God built marriage, He has created all that it would take to make it work. Man on his own part needs to abide by God’s principle and implement His plan. God has said: Husbands, love your wives, and to the woman He said: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband (Ephesians 5:25 and 22).
Love: A Principal Ingredient in Marriage (Part 2) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
In its essence, love is not just words or feelings, but love is a decision expressed in deeds.
Love is not focused on the benefit to the giver, but is focused on the benefit to the recipient. Unconditional love does not say, “I’ll love you if you do this or that,” or “I’ll love you on the condition that I get this or that from you,” rather it says, “I want the highest good for you no matter if it doesn’t benefit me.” When both parties in a marriage demonstrate this kind of love, a very strong foundation is laid that will stand the tests of time.
The God-type of love is unconditional. Jesus loved the Church when there was no Church yet. He died for the wicked man; His love was not as a result of our love for Him. He loved us so much, He paid the greatest price any one could ever pay; He laid down His life. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).
Are you willing to accept the love of God today? Then surrender your life to Christ. You surrender your life to God by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Read Also: Love: A Principal Ingredient in Marriage (Part 1) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
