Is there a reason you are thinking about getting married?

When you think of getting married, what do you want in a wedding ceremony?

I dont mean to preach, but did you know the book of Genesis reveals a really great view of the first wedding ceremony and marriage.

From the very beginning of humanity, people have special. Unlike the animals, we are self aware. We talk. We make things. We are creative. We have the ability to share life-long relationships.

Loneliness is a blight on our existence. It causes us to be unproductive. It leaves us with an emptiness inside. When we are gone, it leaves nothing behind. The fact is we need relationship. A man and a woman united in love are great treasures to each other.

When you think of your intended, what do you feel? Do you feel amazement, wonder, and awe? You should. When a man and a woman become husband and wife, they should feel a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for their partner.

God places within Man a powerful desire for Woman. When Gods design is followed, this connection becomes like a little taste of heaven.

The final verses of Genesis 2 state that this new couple should leave father and mother and hold on to each other. Gods design is to prevent intrusion by outsiders (friends, neighbors, relatives). God gives responsibilities for family. Couples must take full opportunity to meet those responsibilities without interference. Couples need quality sharing time to build quality relationships. God gives more clues to this design in Ephesians chapter 5. As dearly loved children of God we are called to imitate God. We need to think like God, love like God, give like God, serve like God, care like God, and live like God.

The Bible is like a great how to manual or instruction guide. Some of us tend to just start sticking things together, but when things dont fit, we take out the directions. If you want a strong vibrant marriage, check the instruction book first. It says, Give to one another. Love is giving, so make giving your priority instead of getting.

When you stand before the minister at your wedding, you probably have not thought about the problems you will face in marriage. Within weeks you will, however, discover little irritants, flaws, and disappointments. If you allow them to fester, they can destroy. So, as you plan your wedding ceremony, consider what you are pledging and afterward do it. If you promise to live, do it. If you promise to honor, do it. Focus on your contribution to the marriage and set aside your expectations. In your giving, you will find true satisfaction.

A wedding ceremony is not a graduation. A wedding certificate is not a diploma. A wedding ceremony is a celebration of love and family. It is a moment of commitment. It is a time to set the rules for your marriage.

As a wife, your mission is to love, honor, and respect your husband. He needs these in order to feel loved. When you commit yourself to making your husband feel like a king, you invest in your marriage. As a husband, your job is to provide for, protect, and comfort your wife.

However, a husband who fails to earn the respect of his wife makes it very hard for her to love him. A husband must work hard to care for his wife, and doing so will make it easier and easier for her to love him.

Here is a quick way to kill a marriage. Be lazy, neglect, be harsh, nag, gripe, complain, argue, demean, and disrespect your partner. Think of these as nails you use to drive into the casket of your marriage. Here is a quick way to save your marriage. Provide for, Love, honor, and respect you partner.

Why are you getting married? It should be to give yourself and your life to your partner. Keep in mind that anything taken by force or demand, forfeits its status as a gift or expression of love. To build a strong marriage you must resist selfishness and focus on giving to your partner.