Marriage 102
One Flesh

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:23-25

Key Verse: Genesis 2:24

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

As we continue looking at the phrase “suitable helpmate,” today’s scripture adds the meaning of becoming one with another. God said that His created male was to leave his past life and join with another in such unity that they become one. Leaving the single life and all it offers is the first step in developing a biblical covenant of marriage.

“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother,” Genesis 2:24 explains… for what reason? The fact that woman is taken from the rib of a man and joined the club of God’s created being! This made her worthy of total focus of man’s attention. He would walk away from his parents and all other relationships and make his spouse number one!

In our dating years, putting such focus on our spouse came much easier than in later years. Nonetheless, it is still the key to creating attractive relationships at home. Our focus must be put on the marriage. It takes intentional action to stay united as one flesh.

There have been several occasions when I have asked a spouse, who is struggling in the marriage, if they truly have left the single life? On those occasions I sensed that there was never a clear understanding of the “leaving and cleaving” concept of marriage. We must leave the single life and learn a new life in the marriage covenant!

Father, it is not easy to think unselfishly at times. Please grant me your strength to act out unselfish love for my spouse. In Jesus’ Name, amen.