One Flesh, One Faith: Biblical Marriage in Ephesians 5
This week at Journey Church, we focused on One Flesh, One Faith, exploring biblical marriage in Ephesians 5. Marriage is more than a human contract—it is a covenant designed by God to reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church. In a culture where commitment often falters, Scripture calls us back to a higher vision of love, faithfulness, and mutual submission.
Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract
Ephesians 5:21–33 reminds us that marriage is not simply a legal agreement. It is a covenant, a sacred bond that reflects the eternal love of Christ. When Paul writes, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he establishes the foundation of Christian relationships. Husbands and wives are not called to compete for control but to serve one another in humility, love, and respect.
At its heart, One Flesh, One Faith means living in covenant. Just as Christ laid down His life for the Church, husbands are called to lead with sacrificial love. Wives are called to respect and honor, not out of weakness but as a reflection of the Church’s trust in Christ. Together, husband and wife model God’s redeeming love.
Learning to Serve, Not Compete
Many marriages struggle because spouses spend more time trying to “win” arguments than to truly listen. In my own marriage, I’ve learned that communication matters more than competition. Early years may feel chaotic—learning to pay bills, raise children, and figure out life together. But the key to growth is not who gets the last word, it’s choosing to serve one another.
When couples live out One Flesh, One Faith, they stop keeping score and start working as a team. The storms of life—financial struggles, health crises, or family conflicts—are not “my problems” or “your problems.” They are our problems. As one flesh, we share the same boat. If water is coming in, both spouses should be bailing together, not throwing it back at one another.
Love Does Not Hurt
It is important to say clearly: love does not hurt. Marriage is never meant to be abusive. If there is physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, that is not biblical love. God’s design is for safety, respect, and covenant faithfulness. True love builds up; it does not tear down.
The phrase One Flesh, One Faith reminds us that marriage is built on unity, not domination. Husbands must give their wives something worth respecting. Wives are not called to submit to selfishness or cruelty, but to Christlike leadership rooted in service and sacrifice.
Practical Steps for Biblical Marriage
How can couples live this out daily? Ephesians 5 gives us a blueprint:
- Remember your covenant. Marriage vows are unconditional—for better or worse, in sickness and in health.
- Practice mutual submission. Place your spouse’s needs alongside your own. Listen without defensiveness.
- Serve without keeping score. Marriage is not about tallying who has done more. It’s about freely giving.
- Pray together regularly. Spiritual unity builds marital unity. Couples who pray together invite Christ into their relationship.
- Keep the spark alive. Don’t let routine turn your marriage into a roommate situation. Speak words of love, show affection, and do thoughtful things for one another.
When we practice these habits, we reflect Christ’s love and live out the truth of One Flesh, One Faith.
Marriage as a Living Picture of Christ and the Church
Paul describes marriage as a profound mystery. Just as Christ loves the Church unconditionally, so should husbands love their wives. Just as the Church trusts Christ, so should wives respect their husbands. These roles are not about superiority or inferiority but about reflecting the Gospel.
The world says marriage is temporary, conditional, and disposable. But biblical marriage in Ephesians 5 shows us something far greater—a lifelong covenant that reveals God’s unchanging love.
Conclusion: Building Stronger Marriages
At Journey Church, we believe marriage is worth fighting for. Whether you’ve been married for six months or sixty years, the call of God is the same: to love sacrificially, respect deeply, and remain faithful. If you live by One Flesh, One Faith, your marriage will not only endure but flourish, becoming a testimony of Christ’s love to the world.
