This is the concluding part of the series. I hope it blessed you.
Part 4 – One Flesh, One Purpose
Oneness is not just emotional closeness or physical intimacy — it is purpose alignment. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Marriage is a covenant for a purpose. God doesn’t just pair people because they look good together; He joins them because their destinies align.
Every godly marriage is a partnership for impact. When two people unite under God, their combined strength becomes a force for His kingdom. They are meant to encourage each other’s gifts, nurture each other’s dreams, and serve a divine cause together.
For singles, this is a call to be intentional. Don’t just seek someone who excites you — seek someone who ignites your purpose. Shared faith, values, and direction matter more than fleeting attraction. The person you marry should not pull you away from God’s plan but propel you toward it.
For the married, staying one in purpose means praying together, planning together, and serving together. It means regularly asking, “Are we still walking in the direction God set for us?” Life’s pressures — children, careers, finances — can easily distract couples from their shared mission. But true oneness stays anchored in divine purpose.
When a husband and wife live as one flesh, united in heart and purpose, their marriage becomes a testimony of God’s wisdom and love to the world. It becomes a living sermon — one that says, “This is what God intended from the beginning.”
We started this series last week. If you missed it, you can read it HERE
Part 2 – Leaving and Cleaving
Genesis 2:24 begins with a key phrase — “A man shall leave his father and mother…” Before the union comes the leaving. This leaving isn’t just about moving out of your parents’ home; it’s about a shift of loyalty, priority, and identity.
When a man or woman marries, their primary allegiance changes. The emotional center that once belonged to parents, siblings, or even friends must now be given to their spouse. Many marriages struggle, not because of external enemies, but because the couple never truly left. They are married physically, but still attached emotionally or financially in unhealthy ways.
To “cleave” means to cling tightly — like glue that bonds two surfaces so firmly that separating them would cause damage. That’s the level of commitment God desires in marriage — one that is permanent, exclusive, and deeply loyal.
For singles, understanding this helps you prepare your heart for true partnership. Learn to build healthy boundaries with family and friends. Learn to stand on your own spiritually and emotionally. When you know how to “leave” rightly, you will “cleave” rightly when the time comes.
For the married, leaving and cleaving is a continuous practice. It means protecting your spouse from unnecessary external interference — whether from family, work, or ministry. It means honoring your spouse as your first human priority after God.
One flesh cannot exist where there’s divided loyalty. A man or woman who hasn’t learned to leave cannot cleave. True intimacy is born when both hearts are fully present and free from competing ties.
Every wife desires certain core elements in her marriage that foster love, respect, and emotional security. While individual preferences may vary, universal longings are rooted in God’s design for relationships. Understanding these desires can help husbands create a nurturing environment where their wives feel cherished, valued, and supported. Here’s what every wife truly wants in her marriage.
1. To Be Loved Deeply
At the heart of every woman’s longing is the desire to be loved deeply and unconditionally. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially and wholeheartedly. A wife yearns for love that goes beyond words; she wants to feel seen, known, and treasured for who she is.
This kind of love involves expressing affection through both actions and words. Small gestures like holding her hand, leaving encouraging notes, or simply saying “I love you” regularly remind her of your devotion. Love isn’t just about grand romantic gestures—it’s about consistent care and attention.
2. To Feel Respected and Valued
Respect is foundational to a thriving marriage. Peter 3:7 urges husbands to treat their wives with honor as co-heirs of the grace of life. Wives want to know that their opinions matter, that their contributions are appreciated, and that they are equal partners in the journey of life.
Respect means listening without interrupting, valuing her input, and supporting her dreams and goals. It also means avoiding criticism or dismissive behavior. When a wife feels respected, she feels safe to express herself fully and contribute meaningfully to the relationship.
3. Emotional Connection and Communication
Wives crave deep emotional intimacy—the kind that comes from open, honest communication. They want to share their thoughts, fears, joys, and struggles with their husbands and feel understood and supported. James 1:19 reminds us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Active listening is key. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and engage genuinely when she speaks. Ask thoughtful questions and validate her feelings, even if you don’t fully understand them. An emotional connection builds trust and strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
4. Leadership Rooted in Love
A wife looks to her husband for spiritual and relational leadership—but not domination. She desires a leader who leads with humility, gentleness, and wisdom, following Christ’s example (Colossians 3:19). This kind of leadership creates a sense of stability and protection within the marriage.
Spiritual leadership includes praying together, studying Scripture, and making decisions that align with God’s will. Leading with love means prioritizing her well-being, seeking unity, and modeling Christlike character. A loving leader inspires confidence and admiration in his wife.
5. Quality Time Together
Time is one of the most precious gifts a husband can give his wife. In our busy world, it’s easy to let responsibilities overshadow relational priorities, but Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good.” Investing time in the relationship demonstrates that she is a priority.
Quality time doesn’t have to be elaborate—it could be a quiet evening at home, a walk together, or a shared hobby. What matters most is being present and intentional. Regular date nights or moments of undivided attention reassure her that she holds a special place in your heart.
While every wife is unique, these core desires—to be loved deeply, respected, emotionally connected, led with love, and given quality time—are universal. Meeting these needs requires effort, patience, and a willingness to prioritize your wife above other distractions.
Husbands, remember that loving your wife well reflects not only your commitment to her but also your reverence for God. As you seek to fulfill these desires, pray for wisdom and guidance, trusting that God will bless your efforts to honor Him in your marriage.
Ultimately, a happy wife contributes to a happy home. By nurturing these aspects of your relationship, you’ll build a strong, joyful, and God-honoring partnership that stands the test of time. After all, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).
Father’s Day is more than just a day for celebration; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact fathers have in shaping lives, families, and generations. To every father reading this—whether you’re a biological dad, stepdad, adoptive father, spiritual mentor, or simply filling the role of a father figure—you are called to something greater than yourself. Your influence matters eternally, and God has entrusted you with a sacred responsibility.
1. Be Present
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is your presence—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds fathers to teach their children diligently, talking about God’s commands “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Being present means engaging in meaningful conversations, listening without judgment, and creating memories that will shape their hearts forever. Your time is one of the most valuable things you can offer.
2. Lead by Example
Children learn far more from what they see than what they hear. As a father, you are modeling what manhood, leadership, and faith look like. Ephesians 5:25 calls men to love their wives as Christ loved the church—a sacrificial, selfless kind of love. When you lead your family with humility, integrity, and devotion to God, you set a standard that echoes into eternity. Your actions today will leave footprints on the paths your children walk tomorrow.
3. Point Them to Jesus
Your ultimate goal as a father isn’t to raise perfect kids—it’s to point them to the Perfect Savior. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Share your faith openly, pray with them, and show them how to seek God in both joy and hardship. A legacy of faith is the greatest inheritance you can pass down.
4. Extend Grace and Forgiveness
No father is perfect, and no child expects you to be. What they need is grace—the same undeserved favor God extends to us. Colossians 3:13 urges, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” When you admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness, you model humility and demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love.
5. Leave a Lasting Legacy
Your work as a father extends beyond providing materially—it’s about building a foundation of love, wisdom, and faith that endures long after you’re gone. Psalm 127:3-4 compares children to arrows in the hands of a warrior, sent forth to fulfill God’s purposes. Raise your “arrows” well, equipping them to make a difference in the world. Your investment now will ripple through future generations.
Final Thought:
To every father out there: Thank you for stepping up to the calling God has placed on your life. Whether you feel equipped or inadequate, remember that God is your strength and guide. As we reminisce on this year’s Father’s Day celebration, may you find encouragement in knowing that your efforts matter—not only to your family but also to the Kingdom of God. Keep running the race set before you, trusting that the seeds you plant today will bear fruit for eternity.
Five Reasons You Should Not Give Up On That Marriage
Marriage is a beautiful covenant, but it’s not immune to challenges. There will be moments when frustration, disappointment, or even heartbreak may tempt you to walk away. However, before giving up on your marriage, consider these five biblical truths that remind us why perseverance and commitment are worth the effort.
1. God Honors Covenant Commitments
Marriage is more than a human agreement—it’s a sacred covenant ordained by God (Malachi 2:14). When two people make vows before Him, they enter into a divine partnership where His presence dwells. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 reminds us, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.” Breaking a marriage covenant should never be taken lightly because it grieves the heart of God. Instead, trust Him to restore what feels broken and honor the promises you made.
2. God Can Redeem Any Situation
No matter how dire things seem, God specializes in turning ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:3). Your marriage might feel beyond repair, but nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). Through prayer, forgiveness, and intentional effort, He can breathe new life into your relationship. If both spouses are willing to seek Him, healing can happen. Don’t underestimate the power of redemption—your story isn’t over yet.
3. Your Children Deserve Stability
If you have children, staying committed to your marriage provides them with a stable foundation. Psalm 127:3 calls children a heritage from the Lord, and part of nurturing them involves modeling perseverance and unity. Divorce can leave lasting scars on kids, teaching them that relationships are disposable. By working through difficulties together, you show them the value of commitment and the importance of fighting for love.
4. Love Requires Sacrifice
True love isn’t about convenience; it’s about sacrifice. Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—by giving Himself up for her. Similarly, wives are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Both partners must lay down selfish desires and prioritize the well-being of the other. While this requires humility and effort, sacrificial love has the power to transform bitterness into blessing and conflict into connection.
5. You’re Fighting for More Than Just Each Other
When you refuse to give up on your marriage, you’re not just fighting for your spouse—you’re also standing against the enemy’s schemes. Satan seeks to destroy marriages (John 10:10), but God desires to bring restoration and hope. By persevering, you declare faith in God’s ability to heal and strengthen your union. It’s a testimony to the world of His faithfulness and grace.
Final Thought:
While every marriage faces storms, remember that God is the anchor who holds you steady. Before walking away, exhaust every avenue of reconciliation—seek counseling, pray fervently, and lean on godly mentors. Marriage was designed to reflect Christ’s unconditional love for the church. Even if the journey feels hard, don’t give up too soon. With God at the center, there’s always hope for renewal and deeper intimacy.
