Paper Example on Issues of Marriage and Sexuality in Christianity

Introduction

Marriage is a divinely ordained institution established by God and blessed in the ceremony of the Church to realize God's design for love. For the Bible states, "A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Gen 2:24). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ stressed the importance of marriage when he performed his first miracle at the Wedding Feast at Cana of Galilee (John 2: 1-11). Hence, marriage recognizes the interpersonal relationship of man and woman, in which the self-realization and well-being of each partner becomes a priority for the other. It gives a framework for the self-giving and mutual love of man and woman to each other in human sexuality, which leads to the continuity of the human family. Moreover, marriage avails an environment of love within which new human beings come into existence and be formed in the likeness of God, in service to God and humanity.

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Nevertheless, worldly cultures, laws, and perspectives have changed this original design by introducing inappropriate elements of cohabitation, divorce, and homosexuality. Cohabitation is incompatible with the biblical concept of marriage. Moreover, cohabiting partners fail to seek the blessings of God and the formal support of the community (Barnette, 1998). They are ignorant of God's intentions for their social and spiritual well-being.

Similarly, divorce breaks the beautiful union that occurred during the marriage. It violates God's original intention (Barnette, 1998). God even states that He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). Notably, Christian homes experience challenges that often lead to divorce (Ethical Issues: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Homosexuality). However, it is important to remember that just as God was present during their union, He is still present even in the challenging times. Hence, recommitting to Jesus can enable Christian partners to commit themselves to each other and overcome their challenges.

Additionally, the Bible declares that homosexuality is a sin a fact that Davis (1993) supports by acknowledging that sin has disordered all of life, including people's sexuality. Moreover, sexual acts outside of the circle of heterosexual marriage are forbidden (Lev 20:7-21); Rom 1: 24-27; 1 Cor 6: 9-11). Notwithstanding, God can still forgive homosexuals once they repent of their sins.

Thus, to overcome cohabitation, divorce, and homosexuality, Christians should concentrate their time and energy on aligning their marriages and sexual behaviors with high standards of the Scripture (Davis, 1993).

True Love and Intimacy for Christians

Loving someone and being loved in return brings happiness. Married couples can express and enjoy true love by understanding the love God has for us. God shows us true, unconditional love, a generosity of spirit that gives and expects nothing in return. For this love, He sent his only son to die so that we are saved from our sins (John 3:16). This is love at the highest level.

Christians can express and enjoy true love in their marriage by showing a willingness to sacrifice for the loved one, a fundamental attribute of Christian love as revealed in the life and ministry of Christ. Additionally, Christians should be willing to commit oneself truly and wholly to their partners without reservation. For the deeper the true love there is between a man and a woman, the more fulfilling and successful their marriage. Moreover, it is only with true love can one open and reveal themselves to their partner, the core of intimacy, to become one flesh as dictated in the Bible. Intimacy and sexual relations form a powerful and permanent bond of love between Christian partners in marriage (Ethical Issues: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Homosexuality).

References

Barnette, H. H. (1998). Introducing Christian Ethics. Baptist Sunday School Board.

Davis, J. F. (1993). Homosexuality. In Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today. (pp. 95-113). Phillipsburg, N. J.: P&R Publishers.

Ethical Issues: Marriage, Cohabitation, and Homosexuality. (Discussion Post).