What Is the Main Goal of Marriage? - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

But honestly, we haven’t always made each other happy. At times, my husband failed to do what I expected him to do. And I know I’ve often failed to meet his expectations, too.

Perhaps we’re not alone.

There were times when tough situations overshadowed our happiness. The stress of jobs and kids often left us feeling more anxious than happy. And in times of grief, such as when we lost our fathers, happiness simply vanished. Over the years, I’ve learned that happiness is fleeting. It is an outcome based on feelings and circumstances rather than a goal (even though it’s nice).

So, what is the main goal of marriage?

In Mark 10:7-8, Jesus teaches us that the primary goal of marriage is oneness. He said that the reason a man leaves his parents is so that he can be united with his wife. The man and the woman now belong to each other—they are one person, no longer two separate people.

In our society today, people are highly individualistic, so the concept of oneness can be hard to grasp.

Here’s what oneness looks like:

-Oneness is the freedom to simply be yourself without fear of rejection.

-Oneness is being just as comfortable with silence as you are with speech.

-Oneness is belonging to each other, no matter what happens.

-Oneness is winning, losing, and working together as a team.

-Oneness is encouraging each other along the way.

-Oneness is being unified without having to be uniform.

Author Zig Ziglar once wrote, “Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.”

I agree. While marital oneness often produces happiness, it also produces needed stability and strength for the times when happiness fades.

This is how God designed marriage to work:

“One standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three [God, you & your spouse] is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecc. 4:12 TLB)

A Prayer for Deeper Oneness:

Father, I know that your goal for our marriage is oneness. Please join our hearts first to you and then to each other. Make us a triple-braided cord with you that will not be easily broken. Create unity where we’re divided. Give us love when we run out. Inspire grace within us for our differences and grant us peace when we struggle. Help us pull together as a team to share the burdens and the joys of life as one. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you expecting your spouse to make you happy in any area(s) of your life?
2. Do you have realistic expectations of your marriage?
3. What could you do to deepen the bond of oneness in your marriage?

May Patterson, author of the book, Seeking a Familiar Face, began writing over a decade ago in response to God’s grace. And by His grace, she now has a popular blog and has written many articles for various magazines, including Focus on the Family, Upper Room and iBelieve.com. She has also published a Bible study, A 40-Day Guide for Seeking God, and speaks at a variety of events, both nationally and internationally. Her desire is to encourage people to draw closer to God, like never before.

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.