What, then, is a covenant? It creates a particular kind of bond that is disappearing in our society. It is a relationship far more intimate and personal than a merely legal, business relationship. Yet at the same time it is far more durable, binding, and unconditional than one based on mere feeling and affection. A covenant relationship is a stunning blend of law and love. (Hardcover, p. 84; paperback, p. 88)
BLENDING LAW AND LOVE. We have been exploring various ways in which the Christian marriage covenant differs both from a traditional legal contract and from a modern transactional relationship. Here is another. Legal contracts require behavior but they can’t create love. Cohabiting couples try to maintain loving feelings without any binding promises. But just as the original covenant between God and Israel both demanded behavior and offered intimate relationship (“You will be my people, and I will be your God,” Exodus 6:7), so the Christian marriage covenant brings about a wonderful blend of love leading to vow, and then the commitment leading to greater love. Why can it do that? Because it is grounded not primarily in social approval or romantic love but in God’s gracious, perfect love for you.
Reflection: Is your primary inspiration and motivation for fulfilling your marital vows: (a) the approval of your family and society, (b) your desire for your spouse’s love and affirmation, or (c) responding to God’s love for you? All these motives are good—but how can you increase the last one?
Thought for prayer: Meditate on the remarkable intimacy of God’s offer that, in Christ, he can be not just God, but “your God.”