Covenant marriage is a sacred and moral commitment between a man and woman

 The view of marriage as cov­enant is that marriage is a sacred union between husband and wife before God. Covenant mar­riage can be defined as a lifelong com­mitment between the spouses among evangelical Christians (Cade, 2010).

Marriage as a covenant is a belief that marriage is a sacred and binding agreement between two people (hus­band and wife).

Covenant Marriage is also consid­ered a sacred and moral commitment between two individuals (man and woman), which involves not only social and legal, but also emotional, psycho­logical and spiritual aspects.

It is a covenant, not just a con­tract; because it is rooted in a mutual promise to love and care for each other in a lifelong commitment.

This understanding of marriage emphasises the spiritual, psychological and emotional dimensions of the rela­tionship and sees it as more than just a legal or social arrangement.

The idea of marriage as a covenant has roots in religious traditions, such as Christianity and Judaism, which view marriage as a sacred bond estab­lished by God. In these traditions, the covenantal nature of marriage is seen as a reflection of God’s covenant with humanity.

However, human’s desires of pursu­ing life for themselves are challenging the purposes of marriage by God.

A marriage (Christian marriage) is much more than a ‘business contract’ between husband and wife. It is a life­long, exclusive covenant between two people (a man and woman), of which God is witness. He is present at every wedding! Jesus even says that, when­ever a man and woman marry, God has joined them together (see Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9).

Here are some Scriptures from the Bible that support the idea of Christian marriage as a sacred covenant:

• Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

This verse emphasises the unity and oneness of a husband and wife in mar­riage, indicating that it is more than just a legal or social contract.

• Malachi 2:14: “But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your compan­ion and your wife by covenant.”

This verse refers to the covenant of marriage, indicating that it is a binding agreement before God.

• Matthew 19:5-6: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined togeth­er, let not man separate.”

In this passage, Jesus affirms the unity and permanence of marriage, indicating that it is a divine institution established by God.

• Ephesians 5:31-32: “There­fore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church.

This verse compares the relation­ship between a husband and wife to that of Christ and the church, indicat­ing the spiritual significance of mar­riage.

The above Scriptures suggest that Christian marriage is not just a con­tractual arrangement, but rather a sa­cred covenant established by God and upheld by the couple’s commitment to each other and to God.

The concept of marriage as a cove­nant has a lot of merits. It recognises the depth of commitment required to make a marriage successful and encourages both spouses to take their vows seriously and work together to build a strong and lasting relationship.

Ultimately, viewing marriage as a covenant can help couples to approach their relationship with a sense of reverence, commitment, and responsi­bility, which can lead to a deeper and more fulfilling connection.

To be continued …

Source: Excerpts from ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist and Marriage Therapist). https://counselorprin­ceass.wixsite.com/edu-counsel­ing-psych

https://princeoffei22.wixsite. com/website-psychologist

https://princeoffei22.wixsite. com/website

COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAIN­ING INSTITUTE)

AS divorce is on the increase in numerous places in the world, blended families have become a common type of household. Many families have a lot of difficulties navigating this unique family situa­tion with success.

A major reason is that members of blended families need to make many adjustments in their lives. The transition can be problematic. And trying to force it can breed conflict and resentment.

Last week we looked at four tips that would help ease the transition, this week we continue with final six tips.

13. Expect them to think it is temporary.

Accept the fact that your children may expect you and their other parent to reconcile. They may fantasise that your new relationship with your partner is only tempo­rary. This is, especially true in the beginning. Find a time to sit down with the children and explain that when two people are unable to live together anymore, it doesn’t mean they love their children any less.

14. Expect resentment.

No matter how good a parent you are, you will never be the bio­logical parent of your stepchildren. It is natural for a stepchild to feel some resentment for you, especially when you are setting limits for their behaviour.

15. Show the children love.

Sometimes children need love the most at a time when it is the most difficult to give it to them. While bad behavior should never be rewarded, always praise children when they are behaving well.

16. As a stepparent, be sure to take the time to bond with your new children.

Your stepchild may be resistant, but it’s important for you to lead the way and demonstrate that you are interested and care.

17. Children thrive with sched­ules and consistency.

The transition will be much smoother if everyone knows what’s expected of them. Have a conver­sation early on that outlines the expectations and ground rules.

18. Communication is vital.

Ask how you can make the children more comfortable and let them know what you need, too. Honour requests and communicate boundaries as appropriate. Most children just want to know that you’ll still be there for them. Reas­sure them.

Source – eddinscounseling.com