What is the foundation of a great marriage? Some will say that it is Jesus Christ. If that is so, then define what that means. Can you see that it gets complicated when you attempt to expound on all that encompasses?
I have had the opportunity to sit with countless couples in both premarital and marriage counseling sessions. I have approached this question many times with couples and their responses were usually all the same. In order to have an exemplary marriage, there must be unshakable mutual trust. Without that, the word “exemplary” or “great” can no longer be applicable. The dynamics of the relationship has been diminished and thus much less than it could have been.
Most who marry have hoped for, dreamed of, and prayed for years that they will have someone to share their secrets, fears and failures with. This would be someone who would not condemn them for past mistakes. This would be one of understanding, compassion and even loving counsel. However, many times when one spouse confides in the other, it is often met with condemnation.
To lose the trust you once had for someone can, in a way, be like losing an arm or an eye. The result is that you are diminished; less-than you were before. Unlike an arm or eye, trust can be restored, but only with time and a lot of effort.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Paul writes, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” How is this possible? By trusting in the One who is trustworthy even when others are not.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. We can trust in the Lord because He is trustworthy.
Scripture says, “Be ye holy as He is holy.” Marriage is a sacred covenant and of great value in the sight of a holy God. With that in mind, we might also say to one another, “Be ye trustworthy as He is trustworthy.” It honors our Lord when we prove ourselves trustworthy.