If Marriage Is at the Breaking Point

RENDERING THE MARRIAGE DUE

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he recommended marriage 'because of the prevalence of fornication.'  (1 Corinthians 7:2) The world today is as bad  as, or even worse than, ancient Corinth.  The immoral topics that people of the world openly discuss, the immodest way they dress, and the sensual stories  featured  in magazines and books, on TV, and in the movies all combine to excite illicit sexual appetites.  To the Corinthians living in a similar environment, the apostle Paul said:  "It is better to marry than  to be inflamed with passion." -1 Corinthians 7:9. 

Therefore, the Bible commands Christians:  "Let the husband render his wife her due; but the wife also do likewise to her husband." (1 Corinthians 7:3) Notice that the emphasis is on giving-not on demanding. Physical intimacy in marriage is truly satisfying only if each partner is concerned about the good of the other. For example, the Bible commands husband to deal with their wives "according to knowledge."  (1 Peter 3:7) This is particularly true in giving and receiving the marriage due. If a wife is not treated tenderly, she may find it difficult to enjoy this aspect of marriage. 

There are times when marriage mates may have to deprive each other of the marriage due. This might be true at certain times of the month or when she is feeling very tired.  (Compare Leviticus 18:19) It may be true of the husband when he feels emotionally drained. Such cases of temporary suspension of rendering the marriage due are best handled if both partners frankly discuss the situation and agree  by "mutual consent."  (1 Corinthians 7:5) This will prevent either partner from jumping to wrong conclusions. If, though, a wife willfully deprives her husband or if a husband deliberately fails to render the marriage due in a loving way, the partner may be left open to temptation. In such a situation, problems may arise in a marriage.

Like all Christians, married servants of God  must avoid pornography, which can create unclean and unnatural desires.   (Colossians 3:5) They must also guard their thoughts and actions when dealing with  all members of the opposite sex.  Jesus warned:  "Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."  (Matthew 5:28)  By applying the Bible's counsel regarding sex, couples should be able to avoid falling into temptation and committing adultery.  They can continue to enjoy delightful intimacy in a marriage in which sex is treasured as a wholesome gift from the Originator of marriage, Jehovah. -Proverbs 5:15-19. 

Next time: If Marriage Is at the Breaking Point/THE BIBLICAL GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS