1. Introduction

Today we’ll be in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, verses 1 through 12. This section of Scripture offers us teachings from Jesus on the subjects of marriage, divorce, and singleness.

Matthew 19 marks a transition in Jesus’ ministry. He’s moving towards Jerusalem, and His teachings are becoming more focused on the nature of relationships in the Kingdom of God. In this passage, Jesus addresses some challenging questions posed by the Pharisees, and His responses provide deep insights into God’s intentions for marital relationships.

Our study will also take us back to the book of Genesis. It’s there in the creation narrative that we find the roots of Jesus’ teachings about marriage. We’ll see how Jesus himself refers to this narrative to underscore the sanctity and intention of marriage as ordained by God.

Additionally, we’ll look at the Jewish laws of divorce as presented in the Old Testament, particularly in Deuteronomy. Understanding these laws and their interpretation in Jesus’ time is crucial for grasping the full impact of His words.  Then we’ll tie it into Revelation 19 and the marriage of the lamb.  That’s not too big of a topic for us today?  The study of marriage from Genesis to Revelation?

Jesus’ teachings apply not just in the context of ancient Judea, but in our lives today. What does Jesus’ guidance on marriage, divorce, and singleness mean for us in the modern world? How do these teachings challenge or affirm our understanding of relationships?

Let’s begin with Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees in Matthew 19:1-3.

Part 1: Jesus’ Encounter with the Pharisees

When Jesus had finished these words, He left Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan; and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.

Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?”

Let’s picture the scene.  In the opening verses of Matthew 19, we find Jesus at a pivotal moment in His ministry, transitioning from the familiar terrains of Galilee to the regions of Judea beyond the Jordan. This is not merely a change of scenery but marks a significant progression towards Jerusalem, the culmination of His earthly mission.  Matthew captures the essence of His journey, portraying large crowds drawn to Him, a testament to His teachings and miracles. These gatherings are a snapshot of the diverse society of the time, each individual seeking something —healing, understanding, or a glimpse of the divine.

Now, enter the Pharisees, setting the stage for a confrontation, a clash of ideologies, a personal challenge to Jesus. They ask questions, while seemingly straightforward, is full of centuries of legalistic tradition and theological debate. This encounter is not an isolated event but a continuation of the dialogue between Jesus and the religious elite, showcasing the tension between the new kingdom Jesus proclaims and the established religious order.

They are not merely questioners; they are representatives of a religious establishment grappling with the revolutionary teachings of a Rabbi who challenges the status quo. Their question, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” is not born out of genuine curiosity but is a calculated attempt to ensnare Jesus within the complex web of Jewish legalism and societal norms surrounding marriage and divorce.

The Pharisees, well-versed in the Law and its interpretations, were acutely aware of the divisive opinions held by the leading schools of thought of their time—those of Hillel and Shammai.

There were two primary and diametrically opposed groups of Jewish thought at this time.  I went down a rabbit hole again, studying Hillel and Shammai.  First, let’s look at Deuteronomy 24:1-4 –

If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

I’ll give a link to https://www.jewishhistory.org/hillel-and-shammai/ but the Jews didn’t really argue about Jewish Law until Hillel and Shammai, each founding their own academy of Torah learning. 

Hillel’s school advocated for a broader interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1, permitting divorce for reasons as trivial as a wife burning a meal, whereas Shammai’s interpretation was far more strict, allowing divorce solely on the grounds of sexual immorality. By posing this question, the Pharisees sought to corner Jesus into taking a definitive stance, thereby alienating Him from one group or the other, or potentially portraying Him as dismissive of Mosaic Law itself.

The Pharisees were unable or unwilling to grasp the essence of Jesus’ message, they focused on legalistic interpretations rather than the meaning of the law.  

Discussion question: This conflict goes on today in a similar way, religious institutions challenging individual Christian faith.  Religious institutions construct religiosity, while Jesus teaches a liberating faith.  What are some examples?

The cultural and historical context of divorce during the time of Jesus is deeply rooted in the societal, religious, and legal fabric of first-century Judea. The Pharisees’ question to Jesus about the legality of divorce “for any reason at all” emerges from this intricate backdrop, reflecting a society grappling with the application of Mosaic Law amidst diverse interpretations and practices.

Divorce, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, was a legal provision that allowed a man to divorce his wife under specific circumstances, notably when he found “something indecent about her.” This law aimed to regulate the practice of divorce, ensuring some level of protection for women by requiring a formal written notice. However, the vagueness of the term “something indecent” became a focal point of debate among Jewish scholars, leading to varied interpretations and applications.

The schools of Hillel and Shammai were diametrically opposed in their interpretations.  Hillel’s more liberal stance allowed for divorce for almost any reason, reflecting a broader interpretation that prioritized the husband’s autonomy over the marital bond.  In contrast, Shammai’s conservative interpretation restricted divorce solely to cases of sexual immorality, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. These opposing views not only highlighted the theological and legal debates of the time but also underscored the societal tensions between maintaining the integrity of the family unit and recognizing individual rights within marriage.

The legalistic focus on the grounds for divorce overshadowed the relational and covenantal aspects of marriage, leading to a society where marriages could be dissolved for trivial reasons, leaving women particularly vulnerable. The ease of divorce under Hillel’s interpretation could lead to instability and insecurity for women, who, in a patriarchal society, relied on their marital status for social and economic support.

Furthermore, the Pharisees’ challenge to Jesus reflects a deeper struggle within Jewish society to reconcile the letter of the law with its spirit. By asking Jesus to take a side in the ongoing debate, the Pharisees sought not only to test His adherence to Mosaic Law but also to challenge His revolutionary teachings on love, justice, and the kingdom of God.  The discussion is now a rigid adherence to tradition versus the transformative message of Jesus that emphasized the heart, commitment, and covenant over legal technicalities.  Jesus points back to Genesis and emphasized the sacredness of the marital covenant, intended for lifelong union and mutual partnership. This perspective not only challenged the prevailing practices of His time but also offered a profound critique of the ways in which legalistic interpretations had distorted the true meaning of marriage.

Through this lens, the Pharisees’ question and Jesus’ response become a pivotal moment in the Gospels, revealing the tension between human interpretations of divine law and Jesus’ call to understand and live out the deeper principles of love, fidelity, and covenant that underpin God’s commands. This historical and cultural context of divorce thus serves as a backdrop against which the revolutionary teachings of Jesus shine forth, inviting followers of Christ to view marriage as a divine covenant marked by unwavering commitment and sacrificial love.

Let’s turn to Genesis 2:18-24 –  

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”  And out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name.  The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.  So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.  And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.  Then the man said,

“At last this is bone of my bones,

And flesh of my flesh;

She shall be called ‘woman,’

Because she was taken out of man.”

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.  And the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed.

Jesus offers a reaffirmation of God’s original design and intent for marriage.  Marriage is not a human invention subject to societal whims but a divine institution established by God from the beginning of creation.

Genesis describes God’s creation of woman from man, highlighting the unique, intimate union between husband and wife.  A man leaves his family to be united with his wife, forming one flesh, an inseparable bond of marriage.

This appeal to Genesis serves multiple purposes in Jesus’ teaching. Firstly, it situates marriage within the context of God’s perfect creation, before the fall, implying that marriage is part of God’s good design for humanity. Secondly, it challenges the prevailing cultural and legal practices that allowed for easy dissolution of this sacred bond, calling for a return to the covenantal faithfulness reflective of God’s character. Lastly, it elevates the discussion from the realm of legal obligation to one of divine intentionality; marriage not merely a contract but as a living testament to God’s creative purpose and love.

By rooting His response in Genesis, Jesus not only answers the Pharisees’ question but also sets a high standard for marriage. He challenges His followers to embrace a view of marriage that is grounded in creation’s harmony, marked by mutual respect, unity, and indissoluble commitment, reflecting the very heart of God.

Matthew 19:4-6,

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?  So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Jesus isn’t just offering a theological rebuttal; He’s re-establishing the sanctity and intent of marriage as ordained by God. By citing ‘male and female,’ He underscores the complementary nature of the marital relationship as designed by God.  He sets aside cultural and historical contexts; there is a divine blueprint for human relationships.

And then, the statement: ‘the two will become one flesh.’ “When Jesus speaks of ‘one flesh,’ He’s drawing directly from Genesis 2:24, and is much deeper than just the physical union.   Marriage is a comprehensive unity that encompasses every aspect of human relationship – emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical.

The idea of ‘one flesh’ implies a mystery revealed by God, as noted in Ephesians 5:31-32 –

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”  This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Marriage is likened to the relationship between Christ and the Church. It’s not merely a joining of bodies but a union of lives, an intertwining of souls. This unity signifies a new entity, where individual identities are not lost but are united in a purpose and relationship that transcends individualism.

Biblically, ‘one flesh’ also speaks to the exclusivity and permanence of the marital bond. In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, and indeed throughout the Bible, marriage is portrayed not as a temporary arrangement subject to change based on personal fulfillment, but as a lifelong covenant. This mirrors God’s unchanging nature and His eternal covenant with humanity.

Moreover, scholars emphasize that ‘one flesh’ should be understood within the framework of covenant relationship. Unlike a contract, which is often based on mutual benefit and can be broken when it no longer serves the interests of the parties, a covenant is a sacred, unbreakable promise. In the marriage covenant, ‘one flesh’ symbolizes not just a mutual agreement but a solemn vow made before God, signifying complete unity and unbreakable commitment.

This understanding of ‘one flesh’ challenges contemporary views of marriage as merely a social or legal arrangement. It calls us back to the divine intention for marital unity – a relationship that mirrors the unity of God Himself, characterized by selfless love, deep commitment, and enduring faithfulness.

Discussion question:  Considering Jesus’ teaching of ‘one flesh’ as a comprehensive sacred covenant, how does this shape our view of marriage? How might this influence our relationships, our commitments, and our understanding of love and unity in the light of God’s design?

When Jesus concludes, ‘Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate,’ He’s not just issuing a command; He’s declaring a fundamental truth about the nature of marriage. It’s a bond that transcends human laws and cultural practices, rooted in the very fabric of God’s creation.

But Jesus isn’t done elevating the conversation.  Having understood Jesus’ reference to the creation narrative, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ specific question about divorce.

Part 2: Teaching on Divorce

Matthew 19:7-9,

They said to Him, “Why, then, did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?”  He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way.  And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

The Pharisees continue their questioning, and they are referencing Deuteronomy 24:1-4 that we read earlier.  The Pharisees ask Jesus, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?’ This question is critical. The Pharisees are pointing to the Mosaic Law, which permitted divorce under certain conditions.  Their aim is to juxtapose the law of Moses with Jesus’ teachings, perhaps hoping to find a contradiction or to challenge His authority.

Jesus’ response, however, reveals a deeper understanding of God’s intentions. He says, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’ Here, Jesus is not contradicting Moses but rather pointing to the hardness of human hearts that necessitated such a law. He emphasizes that this concession by Moses was due to human fallibility, not God’s original design.

Reflecting on the Old Testament perspective, Malachi 2:13-16 offers insight into how God views the covenant of marriage.

And this is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and sighing, because He no longer gives attention to the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand.  Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your marriage companion and your wife by covenant.  But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And why the one?  He was seeking a godly offspring. Be careful then about your spirit, and see that none of you deals treacherously against the wife of your youth.  “For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with violence,” says the Lord of armies. “So be careful about your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

This passage portrays the seriousness of the marital covenant in God’s eyes. It suggests that breaking this covenant is not just a legal matter but a moral and spiritual issue that deeply affects one’s relationship with God. This prophetic perspective aligns with Jesus’ emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the gravity of divorce, challenging us to view marriage not just as a legal agreement, but as a holy covenant before God.

Then, Jesus redirects the conversation to a higher standard, ‘I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.’ With this statement, Jesus is elevating the conversation from legal requirements to moral and spiritual principles. He is moving beyond the letter of the law to the heart of God’s intentions for marriage.

In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul further explores the complexities surrounding marriage and divorce. He addresses the believers in Corinth, offering guidance that echoes Jesus’ teachings.

But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife is not to leave her husband (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband is not to divorce his wife.

Here, Paul reinforces the idea of marriage as a lifelong commitment, emphasizing reconciliation and the permanence of the marital bond. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching that marriage is not to be dissolved casually or for trivial reasons, but treasured as a sacred covenant.

This teaching of Jesus might seem stringent, especially in the context of our contemporary understanding of marriage and divorce. However, it’s crucial to grasp that Jesus is underscoring the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond. He is calling for a return to God’s original plan for marriage – a lifelong, unbreakable covenant between two people.

Discussion question: In light of Jesus’ teachings, how should we understand the balance between God’s original intention for marriage and the reality of broken relationships in our world today? How does Jesus’ emphasis on the heart, rather than the legalistic aspect of the law, challenge our understanding of commitment and covenant in relationships?

Let’s appreciate the depth of Jesus’ wisdom. He isn’t just providing rules; He’s inviting us to understand the heart of God concerning marriage. He urges us to look beyond the legal aspects and to consider the spiritual and moral dimensions of our relationships. In this, we find a call to honor, cherish, and uphold the sanctity of the marital covenant, as intended from the beginning of creation.

Part 3: Disciples’ Reaction and Jesus’ Teaching on Singleness

In Matthew 19:10-12, we observe a significant shift.

The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”  But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.  For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

Here, the disciples respond to Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, expressing how stringent His view appears: ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Their reaction is quite telling. It reveals that even His closest followers find Jesus’ standards for marriage to be extremely high, perhaps even impractical in their cultural context.

Jesus, acknowledging their astonishment, introduces a profound concept – the calling of singleness. ‘Not everyone can accept this word,’ He says, ‘but only those to whom it has been given.’

In complement to Jesus’ recognition of singleness as a valid and honorable calling, Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8 provide further insight. He writes,

Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each has his own gift from God, one in this way, and another in that.

But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.

Here, Paul echoes Jesus’ view of singleness not merely as a circumstantial life stage but as a distinct calling, valuable in its own right.

Paul further elaborates on the advantages of singleness in serving the Lord, highlighting that the unmarried state can offer greater opportunities for undivided devotion to God. This perspective not only validates singleness but also frames it as a path where one can fully engage in spiritual pursuits and service to God’s kingdom, free from the responsibilities and concerns that accompany marriage.

We gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Christian view of singleness.  It’s an invitation to recognize and respect each individual, whether married or single, as an opportunity to serve and honor God.

Then Jesus speaks of ‘eunuchs who have been so from birth, those who have been made eunuchs by others, and those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.’ Here, Jesus expands the conversation to include singleness as a legitimate and honorable lifestyle, especially for those who are dedicating their lives to the Kingdom of God.

In a culture where marriage was seen as almost mandatory and central to societal structure, Jesus is affirming the value and dignity of being single. He is indicating that singleness, like marriage, is a calling and can be a powerful way of serving God’s kingdom. This is a radical departure from the traditional view that saw singleness as a deficit or a failure to fulfill a societal role.

Discussion question: How does Jesus’ teaching on singleness challenge our cultural perceptions of marriage and singleness today? In what ways can we as a community support and honor both the married and the single among us, recognizing each as a unique calling in God’s kingdom?

Jesus is not only redefining the understanding of marriage but also elevating the status of singleness. Both states, marriage and singleness, are presented as opportunities to live out a commitment to God’s will and purposes. This broadens our perspective, inviting us to see the value and purpose in every season and circumstance of life, whether married or single.

In Jesus’ response, there is an invitation to view relationships, not through the lens of cultural norms or personal preferences, but through the lens of the Kingdom of God. This approach challenges us to consider how we live out our callings, whether in marriage or singleness, with a focus on serving God and advancing His Kingdom.

Part 4: The Marriage of the Lamb as a Parallel (Revelation 19:7-9)

And now for an expansion on the holiness of matrimony, let’s look at Revelation 19:7-9.

Let’s rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself.”  It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Here, we encounter the magnificent vision of the ‘marriage of the Lamb.’ This imagery provides a heavenly parallel to our earthly understanding of marriage, as discussed in Matthew 19.  Similarly, in Ephesians 5:21-33, the Apostle Paul delves into the profound mystery of marriage as a metaphor for Christ’s relationship with the Church. He instructs husbands and wives on how to relate to each other, drawing a parallel to Christ and His Church. ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,’ Paul writes. This passage illuminates the spiritual significance of marriage, showing it as a living symbol of Christ’s sacrificial love and the Church’s respectful submission to Him. It emphasizes that earthly marriage, in its ideal form, is designed to reflect the deep, selfless love Christ has for His Church – a love that is nurturing, sanctifying, and utterly devoted.

‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready,’ the scripture declares. This celestial wedding symbolizes the ultimate union between Christ and His Church, a culmination of God’s redemptive plan through history.

In this heavenly narrative, the Church is portrayed as the bride, beautifully adorned for her husband, Jesus Christ, the Lamb. This metaphor is rich with symbolism. Just as a wedding on earth signifies the start of a lifelong commitment and union, the marriage of the Lamb represents the eternal, unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. It’s a celebration of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, a perfect union in the new creation.

There is both a stark contrast and a beautiful correlation. While earthly marriages are temporal and can be marred by human failings, the marriage of the Lamb is eternal, pure, and perfect. It’s devoid of the shortcomings that often plague human relationships. In this divine marriage, there is no room for betrayal, abandonment, or separation – elements that unfortunately can be part of earthly marriages.

Revelation 19:7-9 not only culminates our study but also elevates our perspective. Here, the marriage of the Lamb is not just a distant, celestial event; it’s a symbol of hope and inspiration for our earthly relationships.

This divine union between Christ and His Church transcends all earthly understandings of marriage, portraying a relationship of perfect harmony, purity, and eternal love. As we ponder this ultimate marriage, it invites us to reflect on how our earthly relationships, both in marriage and in singleness, can be a reflection of this heavenly reality. It challenges us to live out our commitments with a sense of sacredness and eternal purpose, mirroring the divine love story that unfolds in the marriage of the Lamb.

In this heavenly marriage, we find the perfect embodiment of love, commitment, and unity – ideals we strive for in our earthly relationships. Let this vision of the marriage of the Lamb be a source of hope, guiding us to foster relationships that reflect the beauty, purity, and enduring nature of Christ’s love for His Church.

Discussion question: How does the imagery of the marriage of the Lamb in Revelation enhance our understanding of the spiritual significance of marriage? What insights does this give us about the relationship between Christ and the Church, and how can this inform our approach to marriage and relationships in our daily lives?

This visionary depiction challenges us to view our earthly marriages through a heavenly lens. It calls us to strive for relationships that reflect Christ’s love for His Church – marked by selflessness, devotion, and a commitment that transcends earthly challenges. In the same way, for those called to singleness, this imagery encourages a deep and devoted relationship with Christ, the ultimate bridegroom.

Whether we are married or single, our ultimate relationship is with Christ. In Him, we find the perfect example of love, commitment, and unity. The marriage of the Lamb reminds us that our earthly relationships are a shadow of the great, eternal relationship we have with Christ, who calls us to a life of love, service, and unity in His eternal kingdom.

Conclusion

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken through Matthew 19:1-12 and its implications for our understanding of marriage, divorce, singleness, and our ultimate relationship with Christ.

We began with Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees, where He redirected a legalistic debate on divorce to a profound teaching about God’s original design for marriage. Jesus’ reference to ‘one flesh’ from Genesis invites us to view marriage not as a mere social contract but as a sacred covenant reflecting God’s intention for unity and lifelong commitment.

In discussing divorce, Jesus emphasized the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness with which it should be approached, acknowledging the hardness of human hearts while upholding a higher standard of fidelity and commitment.

We then explored Jesus’ revolutionary teachings on singleness, recognizing it as a valid and honorable calling, especially for those dedicated to serving God’s kingdom. This teaching challenges our cultural perceptions and encourages us to honor and support both the married and the single in our communities.

Finally, we delved into the imagery of the marriage of the Lamb in Revelation, a beautiful picture of the eternal, perfect union between Christ and His Church. This eschatological vision elevates our understanding of earthly marriage and singleness, reminding us that our ultimate relationship is with Christ, our bridegroom.

Discussion question: As we consider these teachings as a whole, how can we apply Jesus’ principles on marriage, divorce, and singleness in our own lives? How can these teachings shape our relationships, our commitments, and our view of the church as the bride of Christ?

In conclusion, whether we are married, single, or navigating the complexities of relationships, let us strive to reflect the love, commitment, and unity exemplified in Christ’s relationship with His Church. May our relationships be a testimony of God’s grace and a mirror of His perfect love. Let us remember that in every season of life, our ultimate purpose and fulfillment lie in our union with Christ, our eternal bridegroom.  Let’s carry these truths in our hearts and live them out in our relationships, guided by the wisdom and love of Christ.

To God be the Glory, amen.