The Perfect Marriage

The Perfect Marriage.  I’ve often heard someone say, “Oh, they have the perfect marriage” or “my parents had the perfect marriage.”  But, how does each of us define “perfect?”  Does perfect mean a couple never fights or agues?  Does it mean they faced adversity and became stronger than they were before? Or does it mean that the dirty socks and wet towels were always picked up before they ended up on the floor?  My husband, Chris and I do pre-marital counseling for couples prior to their wedding and we talk to each couple about their expectations for the “perfect marriage.”  We talk about fights or arguments and how to handle them.  That’s communication.  We discuss financial issues, wedding planning and extended family.  Those issues can cause tension and adversity that must be overcome to become stronger as a couple.  Even the dirty socks and wet towels can become serious if it changes a person’s perspective on their idea of “perfect.”

However, there is only one perfect person—Jesus Christ.  We come into a marriage as a sinful person with many flaws… (Yes…whether we like to believe it or not!)  The only “perfect” marriage is one where husband and wife learn to love unconditionally in spite of their imperfections.  Ephesians 5:1-2 says..” Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”   So, for a “perfect” marriage, we must first and foremost look at ourselves and begin to follow God’s example of love that He unconditionally gives to each of us who call him Lord.