Marriage to me is such a special relationship between a man and a woman. Its so sad to see how this fallen world has lost the meaning and sacredness of marriage. It is especially sad to see how the separate roles of a man and a woman have been blurred or swapped. Society tells us that women need to be able to take care of themselves, that we can do everything a man can do, that men need to listen and obey. Personally, I hate it when people have that mindset.
"Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God." 1 Corinthians 11:9-12
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
As these verses clearly show, marriage is a covenant made between a man and woman to adventure through life together. They work as a team, encouraging one another and building each other up towards God. They support one another when one is in need. Man and woman were created differently, but in a way that works beautifully together. For example, the woman is more of the "feeler"; they experience more emotions and tend to be more sensitive, while the man is for the most part not as emotional. In this way, man and woman work together very well to balance each other out.
God has ordained man and women with specific roles as well.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body,of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present er to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:22-27
"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33
We see from these verses that the woman is the weaker person. I believe that that means that she is more sensitive and is more emotional, in the best way of course. We also see that women need to submit to their husbands. Husbands should be the leader in the relationship. The husband should lead in a way that respects and loves the woman, and the woman should be a helper to the husband in his leading. And women, it is so important to respect the man and submit to his decisions.
All in all, I think the big thing here is respect for the other person. In a marriage relationship, each person needs to love the other unconditionally (just as Christ loves us) and respect each other. Men and women have different traits that work perfectly together. They also a\have different roles that need to be understood and attended to. They must work together and have good communication. And what I believe is the most important part of a relationship is that they each have their own relationships with God that they can help build each other up and encourage each other. God is first and foremost in a healthy marriage.
