[It is now seen as] common sense—namely, that love must be the response to spontaneous desire, never a response to a legal oath or promise. But the Biblical perspective is radically different. Love needs a framework of binding obligation to make it fully what it should be. A covenant relationship is not just intimate despite being legal. It is a relationship that is more intimate because it is legal. (Hardcover, pp. 84–85; paperback, p. 88)
LENGTHENING LOVE. In the Bible, covenants are literally everywhere. It is assumed that all love relationships need covenantal strengthening. Why? Covenants intensify both the length and the depth of love. Think about how covenants extend the length of love relationships. Our feelings will wax and wane for all sorts of physical and emotional reasons even if the loved one behaves perfectly. But of course they never do. Anyone we love is a sinner whose heart is prone to self-centeredness. Without the promises we would give up on the relationship. We would not get through the inevitable rough patches and conflicts. Without covenants our lives would be filled with broken relationships.
Reflection: Think of some times in which your marriage vow strengthened your resolve to work through problems you were having.
Thought for prayer: Meditate on Hebrews 13:5–6, on the infinite length of God’s love for you in Christ. Then thank him for it.