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Treasure Digest: Turning the Hearts

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Treasure Digest

Turning the Hearts

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Last issue we introduced the subject of how two become one in marriage. We looked at Ephesians 5:22-25, which describes the close teamwork involved in this wonderful relationship. Husbands are commanded to exercise loving leadership, not to be selfish and inconsiderate.

In the beginning of marriage in Genesis 2, God made it clear that Eve, the first wife, was to be a "helper comparable" to her husband and not merely a maid, housekeeper, sexual partner, dishwasher, laundry woman (Genesis 2:18). Please notice other translations of "helper comparable": "a helper—as his counterpart" (Young's Literal Translation), "a companion who will help him" (New Living Translation), "a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary)" (Amplified), "suitable companion" (Today's English Version) and "a helper as his partner" (New Revised Standard). The wife is called a companion in Malachi 2:14.

All of these translations imply working together or "twogether" in marriage. In Proverbs 31 we read of a woman who is very capable of exercising her mind and talents, and her husband praises her for her contributions. The apostle Peter speaks of the need of the husband to know his wife's needs and value her (1 Peter 3:7). One way to honor or value another is to seek that person's advice on various issues or plans.

Together, the husband and wife are to be one! They need to work together as a loving team to do what is best for the marriage and the family. A wise husband will solicit input from his wife. He will realize that plans and activities that involve both of them need to be discussed. For example, just because the husband likes watching sports, it would be inconsiderate for him to assume his wife (and family) would like to do so as their family day together.

Major issues that affect the family need to be discussed and agreed upon by both the husband and the wife. When planning major purchases or family outings, couples need to discuss the arrangements or activity and agree on the plan. A wife who feels a part of the "twosome" and included in the decision-making process, will contribute to and enjoy the marriage. The importance of this key is that the husband creates an atmosphere to make his wife feel welcome to offer her input and suggestions. Marriage is a joint venture. It takes two people to make a marriage. Why would one want to do something that the other would not want them to do?

Being aware of and applying this vital principle will help build the marriage relationship and bring satisfying results. So, remember, "it takes two" for a marriage to be happy and successful. May God help us all to build teamwork and cooperation into our marriages.