Marriage: A Covenant, Not a Casual Meet Up

There are few things as beautiful—and as battled—as marriage.

It begins with spark and promise.With prayers whispered at the altar and hands joined in hope.But as the seasons change, so do the rhythms of the relationship.

Suddenly, the one you vowed to love feels distant.The words become fewer.The moments more routine.And if you’re not careful, what began as covenant starts feeling like contract.

But God’s design was never for survival—it was for flourishing.Marriage is not about endurance. It’s about intentional love wrapped in eternal purpose.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12

When the Spark Fades, Let Covenant Speak

In Making Marriage Work, Bishop David Oyedepo reminds couples that every union must be continually fueled by spiritual understanding.

He writes, “What God joins together does not stay together by default—it stays together by dedication.”

Marriage is not a 50/50 contract. It’s a 100/100 covenant.Each person brings their all, not based on what the other gives, but based on a commitment to God’s design.

When things get hard—and they will—it’s covenant that keeps you standing.

3 Devotional Truths Every Marriage Needs to Revisit

1. God is the First Party in Your Marriage

Before it’s about husband and wife, it’s about God and purpose.When He is forgotten, love becomes performance.But when He is central, love becomes worship.

Let your daily prayer be: “Lord, teach me to love them the way You love me.”

2. Love is a Decision, Not a Feeling

Feelings fluctuate. But decisions, when rooted in truth, sustain.There will be days you don’t “feel” in love. That’s when covenant takes the wheel.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo in Marriage Covenant teaches that love that lasts is love that’s intentional, forgiving, and service-driven.

3. Unity is Built in the Quiet Places

Not every moment has to be dramatic.Sometimes, unity is built while folding laundry together.

While laughing over shared memories.

While reading the same page of a marriage book and pausing to say,"That sounds like us."

It’s not the big gestures—it’s the small consistencies that hold covenant strong.

A Moment of Reflection

If you’re married, pause here and ask:

• When was the last time we prayed together—just us, no church event?

• When was the last time I said, “I forgive you,” with no resentment left behind?

• When was the last time I spoke their love language—not mine?

And if you’re preparing for marriage, ask:

• Do I see marriage as ministry, not just romance?

• Am I willing to learn what I don’t yet know?

• Can I commit to being a student of this person for life?

One Small Act This Week

Pick up a book like Making Marriage Work.Don’t just read it—pray through it.Highlight one quote and discuss it together.Ask each other: “How can I love you better this week?”

Sometimes the healing of a marriage begins not with a counselor, but with a conversation.Not with a trip away, but with time alone—on the couch, hearts open, Word of God in the center.

Final Thought: Marriage as Worship

When we honor our spouse, we honor God.When we protect unity, we reflect the Trinity.And when we lay down our pride, we pick up His peace.

Marriage is not just a gift.It’s an altar.And every day, we bring our hearts to it again.

“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” — 1 Corinthians 7:3

So let your next book not just be for study—let it be for renewal.Let it be a mirror.Let it be a bridge.

Because when marriages thrive, families flourish.And when families flourish, the Kingdom advances.