MARRIAGE BOND

''Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together"

The bond of marriage is observed in the words of Jesus when he said, "... no longer two but one ..." This is a bond intended by God to unite a man and his wife not to be separated. It is the purpose of God to join a man and woman in a bond so strong that "they are no longer two but one." How does God join two persons in such a strong bond? Bonding is an important part of life. Parents are bonded with children. Friends are bonded together in a supportive relationship. Families are bonded into a supportive relationship. However, God intended that marriage should be the strongest bond of all these.

Bond of Love. Marriage is to be more than a romantic affair. The love of God is intended to be the strength of the bond. This is an unselfish, unconditional love that is experienced between a husband and wife. It's the God kind of love.

Spiritual Bond. Marriage is more than sexual union or a social relationship. It is designed by God to be a spiritual union. It is to be so strong that the two become one. The two understand each other completely. It is a transparent relationship. The husband and wife give themselves to each other unconditionally.

Covenant Bond. This is far more than a civil union. Vows are made to each other with God as their witness. It is a commitment to God and to each other. The couple ask for the blessing of God on the union.

Lifetime Bond. The couple are intended to be bonded together in such a way, that they cannot imagine life without each other. The spouse should be the person who is supportive through all of life's experiences. They stay together "through thick and thin."