“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, He who pastures his flock among the lilies” (Song 6:3)

The Song of Solomon is one of my favorites books in the Bible. To me, it is always strong and fresh, exciting, inviting, fragrant and romantic. It speaks of the eternal love between Christ and His Church. It also testifies of the true love in a godly successful marriage. This Song helps me to be a better Christian and a better wife. By reading its beautiful poetic lines I am challenged to walk closer to God and to make my marriage better.

My husband and I are married for more than 42 years. We got married as unbelievers. Then one by one we got saved. Now we are in full time ministry helping others to live godly lives. We are sinners saved by grace. We made many mistakes along the way. But the grace of God who brought us together when we were young shall keep us together to the end.

This morning, being inspired by the Word of God and also from our experience as a happy married couple, I want to help and challenge the younger believers to make their Christian life and their marriage a great success. Dear children, please read on…

What are the requirements for a godly successful marriage?

1. Commitment
To be successful a marriage needs commitment from both husband and wife. Commitment is defined as a vow, a promise to do or give something; to be loyal to the end. It is the attitude to work very hard to the success of marriage. The vows you made to each other on your wedding day need a life time of commitment. God is a covenant keeping God of commitment to His promises.

As a believer in Christ you must be like God! Success in marriage requires a willingness to spend time and energy to make it work. Lazy, careless, greedy, worldly, irresponsible or foolish people end in divorce. Commitment means that you are not free to waste your time and emotions in things that do not build your marriage. Even if these things are good, if they do not help my marriage, I shall ignore them. It is my responsibility to avoid close friendship with people who dishonor their spouses. I can pray for them and counsel them but they cannot be my friends. it is my desire to make friends with women who are better wives than me so that I can learn from them. This is my strong life time commitment to pray and to do everything that is necessary to make my marriage a success. So help me God!

THE SEAL OF LOVE
‘Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, it’s jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it will be utterly scorned’ (SS 8:6, 7)

A seal is a visible stamp applied with fire proving that the object is original and intact. The seal is upon the heart, in the most intimate place where strangers cannot enter. It is also on the arm, the strength openly displayed to others. First of all, as a husband and wife, our love must be sealed in the most intimate emotions. We must guard our hearts! We must protect our Spirits! We must be gentle with our words! Also, our love for one another must be displayed in actions and words for others to see. Our love displayed means love protected. Be jealous over the testimony of your marriage!

What God has joined together let no one put asunder! Any man or woman who tries to destroy our love shall be burnt by the fire of the same love. This love is not for sale. Our love is priceless for Jesus died to give it to us! To bribe for love is an abomination! Love in marriage is God’s gift to us and must be so to the end. Our love for one another is a testimony that Christ indeed loves the Church. We must be jealous over our love and protect it from strangers or wicked spiritual parasites! This is our commitment to one another in the presence of God! May the seal of the Holy Spirit placed on our hearts and arms speak for itself! In Jesus name, amen!