“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Planned in Eden
Marriage wasn't invented by society. God created it before sin entered the world. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). Then: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Jesus quoted those words and added, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6).
A lifelong covenant
In Scripture, marriage is a covenant, a sacred promise, between one man and one woman for life (Malachi 2:14). It's meant to reflect Christ's love for His people. Paul tells husbands to love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). That's a love of sacrifice, faithfulness and respect.
Choosing wisely
Because marriage shapes our faith and our future, the Bible encourages believers to marry someone who shares their faith: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). It's one of the most practical studies in the series, especially for young adults.
Strong families
The Bible is full of wisdom for families: honouring parents (Exodus 20:12), patient parenting (Ephesians 6:4), and teaching children God's ways in everyday moments, “when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Couples and families are welcome to study together, around their own kitchen table or online.
Questions for reflection
- What do Genesis 2:18–24 and Matthew 19:4–6 teach about God's design for marriage?
- How does Ephesians 5:21–33 describe the love between husband and wife?
- Why does sharing the same faith matter in marriage?
- What is one habit from Deuteronomy 6:6–9 your family could start this week?