By Pastor Okokon Ating

IN this discussion, I may not be able to proffer the whole solutions to the div-ersities of challenges con-fronting married people, but I will attempt to enu-merate factors couples can consider in solving whatever challenges they might have found them-selves facing.

wedding ring

I would advise that you should read also from other writers and glean wisdom from various marriage counselors who are versed in the subject.

The following could possi-bly aid resolving the cha-llenges you face: Observe and teach yourself biblical ethics or principles of ma-rriage; Observe and teach yourself communication and conflict resolution in marriage; Encourage your-self to engage a marriage counselor when necessary on weighty matters; There should be specific time for prayers to strengthen the marriage the more; Let God rule over your marria-ge at all times while you follow His divine guidance.

1. Observe and teach yourself biblical ethics or principles of marriage: Though biblical ethics and principles of marriage are scattered all over the pages of the scriptures, it is only a careful Bible reader or student who can sequentially find them out as he/she continues to read and study the Bible daily.

Some of the biblical eth-ics and principles about marriage are enumerated here:

• Oneness or one flesh- Genesis 2:24c,5:2,Matthew 19:5-6, Mark 7:6, I Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 5:31
• Love between or among couples- Genesis 24:67 “…and he loved her….” Ephesians 5:25, 28. Colosians 3:19, Romans 12:9. The biblical ethics and principles of marriage is love. This is not sexual love, financial love or love from material wealth but sacrificial love which is un-conditional.
• Submitting to one ano-ther- Ephesians 5:21-22. Though in verse 22, the Bible made mention of the wife, but verse 21 clearly stipulates that this sub-mission is for both the husband and the wife.

“….submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”

In the husband’s persp-ective of humanity, Rom-ans 12:10 have this to say”…in honor preferring one another”. Philippians 2:3 “…but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than them-selves”.

There is nothing wrong in a couple submitting to each other in the fear of God; after all, they have become part and parcel of one another—one flesh. But remember, it is said; this submission must be in everything. 1 Peter 3:1

• Headship of the hus-band: Ephesians 5:23, the bible has openly declared that “For the husband is the head of the wife…”

I will like to say this that both the husband and the wife should submit to Christ first in their marria-ge, as Christ is the head of their marriage and the family. It is mandatory that the wife should recognize the husband as her head, whether she is richer than the husband or not. The power of that recognition will bring humanity while the husband, on his own part, will recognize the wife as his second person in authority or command. 1 Peter 3:7

*For enquiries contact:

[email protected]  Apostolic Church, 3, Tree Power Avenue, Itire, Lag-os. Or call: Pastor Okokon Ating on:

08054121355, 08179072635