Marriage is a total commitment and a total sharing with the other partner in the marriage relationship until death. Marriage can last a lifetime if couples know how to meet each other’s needs and avoiding hurting each other.
What does it mean for a man to leave his parents?
Does it mean that the man can therefore have the licence to disobey his parents? Does it mean that he can forsake love and care for his parents? Absolutely not. It does however mean that he has to “leave” his parents and the two become one.
The newly wed couple may decide to stay with his parents or choose to reside away from his parents. The point here is that the man should no longer cling to his parents in thoughts, feelings or decisions. Parents on the other hand must realize that their children have set up a home of their own and that they have new roles and responsibilities.
What does it mean to cleave to each other?
The word “cleaves” means to “pursue after” or to “adhere to”. A term meaning “to stick together no matter what. It must be the desire of the couple to make their marriage work. To “cleave” involves faithfulness to the spouse at all costs. It means that the relationship is permanent and they have to face life issues together beyond the conditions of the vows. Marriage is an irrevocable contract when a man and woman enter into a relationship for which they accept full responsibility and commit themselves to each other despite problems and pressures.
What does it mean to be in “one flesh”?
It refers to sexual or physical union within the marriage. However, it is more than the marriage act. It speaks of “oneness”, total intimacy and deep unity in spite of differences.
This covenant or contract is not to be taken likely. The couple must work on it to ensure that it works. The following may be of help:
1. Commit to overcome marital conflicts,
2. Commit to be romantic, give surprises from time to time,
3. Identify habits or love busters that cause unhappiness, e.g. angry outbursts, judgmental, annoying behavior, selfish demands or dishonesty.
4. Learn to overcome those habits,
5. Identify and meet emotional & sexual needs.
