A good marriage is a valuable and fulfilling relationship, but it does come with a price. This price is not necessarily financial, but rather it involves hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.
In the Bible, the book of Ephesians 5:25-33 provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives in a marriage. It states, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
This passage highlights the importance of love, sacrifice, and respect in a marriage. A good marriage requires both partners to be fully committed to each other and to the relationship. This means being willing to put the needs of your spouse above your own and making decisions that will benefit the marriage as a whole.
One of the biggest prices of a good marriage is the willingness to compromise. In any relationship, there will be disagreements and conflicts. It is important for both partners to be willing to listen to each other’s perspectives and to find a solution that satisfies both parties. This may require making concessions and giving up certain desires or preferences.
Another price of a good marriage is the need for communication. Effective communication is crucial for resolving conflicts, building trust, and deepening the emotional connection between partners. This includes being open and honest about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns, as well as actively listening to your spouse and seeking to understand their perspective.
Additionally, a good marriage requires a significant investment of time and energy. It is important to regularly spend quality time together, engaging in activities that both partners enjoy. This can help to strengthen the bond between partners and to create shared memories and experiences.
Furthermore, a good marriage also requires a commitment to personal growth and development. Both partners should strive to become the best versions of themselves, which can include pursuing career goals, and personal interests. This not only benefits the individual but also the marriage as a whole.
Moreover, a good marriage also requires a commitment to resolving conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner. This includes avoiding negative communication patterns, such as criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Instead, partners should focus on using I statements, active listening, and finding solutions that work for both parties.
Another price of a good marriage is the need for forgiveness. No one is perfect, and mistakes will be made. It is important for both partners to be willing to forgive each other and to move forward in a positive direction. This can help to build trust and to deepen the emotional connection between partners.
Lastly, a good marriage requires a commitment to physical intimacy. Sexual intimacy is an important aspect of a healthy marriage, and it is important for both partners to be willing to invest time and energy into this area of the relationship. This can help to build a deeper emotional connection and to strengthen the bond between partners.
In conclusion, a good marriage has a price. This price includes compromise, communication, time and energy, personal growth, constructive conflict resolution, forgiveness, accepting corrections, and physical intimacy. By being willing to invest in these areas, couples can build a strong and fulfilling marriage that will last a lifetime. As the Bible states in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
A good marriage is a partnership, and when both partners are fully committed to each other and to the relationship, they can create something truly beautiful and valuable.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
