MARITAL DEVELOPMENT

Theme: LIVING A BALANCED LIFE

Title:  MARITAL DEVELOPMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 2:18 – “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 18:22, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Malachi 2:14-16, Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 3:7

Description: Marital development is the intentional growth, nurturing, and strengthening of marriage according to God’s design, so that couples can reflect His love, unity, and purpose.

INTRODUCTION:
Marriage is God’s idea, not man’s invention. From the beginning, God instituted marriage to provide companionship, partnership, and the foundation for family and society. Because marriage is sacred, it requires wisdom, effort, and divine guidance to grow and flourish. Without intentional development, marriages can suffer neglect, conflict, and even collapse.

In today’s world, many marriages face great challenges such as lack of communication, selfishness, infidelity, and misplaced priorities. Yet the Word of God remains the sure foundation for building strong and lasting marriages. When couples align their relationships with God’s principles, they experience peace, joy, and fruitfulness.

Marital development, therefore, is not optional for couples who desire a fulfilling life together. It involves daily commitment, growth in love, understanding, forgiveness, and shared vision. A developed marriage is not only a blessing to the couple but also a testimony to children, the church, and the society at large.

1: THE FOUNDATION OF MARRIAGE
For marriage to succeed, it must rest on the right foundation, which is God’s Word and His purpose for marriage.

a) Divine Institution (Genesis 2:24) – Marriage is God-ordained, and only when we follow His instructions will it stand strong. It is not a social contract but a spiritual covenant.

b) Covenant Relationship (Malachi 2:14) – Marriage is not just a promise but a covenant before God. Couples must understand the sacredness and permanence of this covenant.

c) Christ as the Center (Ephesians 5:23) – A marriage without Christ will struggle. When Christ is at the center, He directs, sustains, and blesses the union.

d) Commitment to Growth (Ecclesiastes 4:9) – A strong marriage requires continual growth, effort, and partnership. Two are better than one, and each must contribute to development.

Biblical Example: Adam and Eve were the first couple brought together by God Himself. Though they faced challenges, their union revealed God’s intention that man should not be alone but united in companionship and purpose (Genesis 2:18-25).

2: THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN MARRIAGE
Every marriage thrives when both partners understand and embrace their God-given roles.

a) The Role of the Husband (Ephesians 5:25) – Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. Love must be unconditional, protective, and nurturing.

b) The Role of the Wife (Ephesians 5:22) – Wives are called to submit to their husbands in the Lord. Submission is not weakness but honor, respect, and partnership in order.

c) Mutual Honor (1 Peter 3:7) – Both husband and wife must honor one another. The husband must treat his wife with understanding, while the wife must respect her husband.

d) Shared Responsibility (Colossians 3:18-19) – Marriage is not one-sided. Both partners must support one another emotionally, financially, spiritually, and socially.

Biblical Example: Aquila and Priscilla were a godly couple who worked together in ministry. Their partnership in teaching Apollos (Acts 18:24-26) demonstrates how marriage flourishes when both husband and wife fulfill their roles in unity.

3: KEYS TO MARITAL DEVELOPMENT
To build and sustain a strong marriage, certain principles must be practiced consistently.

a) Communication (Proverbs 15:1) – Effective communication is the lifeline of marriage. Couples must learn to listen, speak kindly, and resolve issues peacefully.

b) Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) – No marriage is free from mistakes. Forgiveness is necessary to heal wounds and maintain unity.

c) Intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:3–5) – Physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy strengthens the bond between couples. Intimacy must be nurtured intentionally.

d) Prayer and Spiritual Growth (Matthew 18:19) – A praying couple is a strong couple. Prayer invites God’s presence, breaks barriers, and brings unity in purpose.

Biblical Example: Zacharias and Elizabeth, despite facing barrenness, stood together in faith and prayer. In God’s time, their union was blessed with John the Baptist, a testimony that marital perseverance yields fruit (Luke 1:5–13).

4: THE IMPACT OF A GODLY MARRIAGE
A marriage built on God’s principles does not only bless the couple but also influences generations and communities.

a) Blessing to Children (Proverbs 22:6) – A strong marriage provides stability and security for children, giving them godly upbringing and values.

b) Witness to the World (Matthew 5:16) – Godly marriages testify of Christ’s love to the world. They shine as examples of unity, faithfulness, and peace.

c) Strength to the Church (Acts 16:15) – Strong marriages build strong churches. Families serve as the foundation of ministry and community life.

d) Legacy of Faith (2 Timothy 1:5) – Godly marriages leave behind a heritage of faith, values, and blessings for future generations.

Biblical Example: Abraham and Sarah, despite their weaknesses, left behind a generational blessing. Their covenantal marriage became the foundation of God’s promise to Israel and to the nations (Genesis 17:15-16).

CONCLUSION:
Marital development is not automatic; it requires intentionality, commitment, and obedience to God’s Word. A marriage that is not nurtured will weaken, but one built on Christ and developed in love, communication, and partnership will flourish.

God designed marriage to be a reflection of His love for the Church. As couples commit to developing their relationship in righteousness and unity, they will experience joy, fulfillment, and generational blessings. Let us choose today to build marriages that honor God and bless humanity.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to build my marriage on Your Word and principles.
2. Father, give me grace to love and honor my spouse unconditionally.
3. Lord, heal every wound and restore peace in troubled marriages.
4. Father, strengthen communication and understanding in my marriage.
5. Lord, help me to walk in forgiveness and patience toward my spouse.
6. Father, increase intimacy and unity between me and my spouse.
7. Lord, let my marriage be a testimony of Your faithfulness.
8. Father, bless my family with fruitfulness, joy, and divine protection.
9. Lord, let my marriage be a channel of blessing to my children.
10. Father, empower my marriage to fulfill Your kingdom purpose.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You shall enjoy peace and harmony in your marriage.
2. You shall not lack love, joy, and unity in your home.
3. You shall experience divine healing and restoration in your relationship.
4. You shall grow in understanding and mutual respect with your spouse.
5. You shall overcome every attack of the enemy against your marriage.
6. You shall raise godly children who will carry your legacy of faith.
7. You shall walk in fruitfulness and prosperity in your home.
8. You shall be a testimony of a godly and exemplary marriage.
9. You shall enjoy divine protection and favor in your household.
10. You shall fulfill God’s purpose for your marriage and generations after you.