Proverbs 2:17 speaks of one’s spouse as your ‘allup . . . —“best friend.” In an age where women were often seen as the husband’s property . . . [this] was startling. . . . But [today] . . . it is just as radical. . . . In tribal societies, romance doesn’t matter as much as social status, and in individualistic Western societies, romance and great sex matter [the most]. The Bible, however, without ignoring responsibility to the community or the importance of romance, puts great emphasis on marriage as companionship. (Hardcover, p. 117; paperback, pp. 127–28)
FRIENDS TO THE END. In ancient times, the chief purpose of marriage was to secure social stability and status through the bearing of children. Romantic happiness was optional and friendship not even imagined. Today the main concern is for sexual and personal fulfillment. Children are optional and, again, friendship is not the focus. However, we should bear in mind that in Genesis, the text doesn’t say that Eve was brought to Adam because he needed sex or children, but because “it was not good that he be alone.” And if you live into an advanced age together, neither child-rearing nor sex will be the glue for your relationship. But friendship lasts until the end.
Reflection: The Bible puts emphasis on all these various aspects of marriage. List them. Are some of them dominating and others taking a backseat right now? What can you do about that?
Thought for prayer: Today, simply thank God for the unequalled, multidimensional richness of the institution of marriage, and ask him not to allow any of those wonderful aspects to atrophy in your relationship, especially not friendship.