Marriage, as a foundational institution, is legally governed by courts, which oversee its legitimacy and adjudicate divorces. While cultural and traditional norms influence marital practices, the judicial system retains ultimate authority. Yet, despite this structured framework, relational breakdowns remain a global epidemic, pointing to deeper systemic flaws. What’s often overlooked is the need to return to the institution’s original purpose.
The Biblical Blueprint for Marriage
Scripture defines marriage as an intrinsic union where “the two become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Divorce, in this context, is unnatural—akin to severing a limb from a body. The term “woman” (Hebrew ishah) signifies her origin from man (ish), emphasising their inseparable unity. Initially, the first woman was unnamed, existing in perfect harmony with Adam.
It was only after deception and disobedience—marked by Satan’s lies—that division entered. The Man, originally representing God’s image, had become similar to a beast of this world, but portrayed a mixture of good and evil. The woman was then called “Eve,” and humanity inherited a legacy of strife: labour pains for women and toil for men (Genesis 3:16-19). This fractured state persisted until Jesus’s time—and continues today.
Marriage in Modern Society: Legal Bonds vs. Relational Foundations
Contemporary definitions describe marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, binding them to address disputes over child custody. However, similar disputes exist among unions that are deemed unlawful. Are they the only ones that perpetuate societal dysfunction? Ironically, many legally recognised marriages fail and cause turmoil, while certain unsanctioned relationships flourish. This paradox reveals a significant flaw: Legal certification alone cannot uphold the true essence of marriage.
For reasons of convenience, some couples choose to avoid formalising their relationships, where mistrust characterises such marital unions. This trend is leading humanity toward a state comparable to the animal kingdom. The outcomes of such unions are inherently flawed, contributing to existing societal challenges due to the absence of authentic frameworks. Nevertheless, marriages conducted within the Church’s confines fail, just as those neglecting the Church’s involvement yield negative consequences. The solution lies in comprehending the fundamental principles of marriage.
Jesus’s Teachings: Marriage Beyond Religion
When tested by Pharisees, Jesus clarified marriage’s divine intent:
“‘Haven’t you read,’ He replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:4–6)
Jesus highlighted that Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to human hardness of heart, not as God’s original design. His disciples, perplexed, questioned whether marriage was even advisable (Matthew 19:10). Their reaction mirrors today’s confusion: society has reduced marriage to a contract, neglecting its sacred unity. The hardheartedness of humanity is caused by the love of the flesh as opposed to the Spirit.
The Crisis of Misinterpretation
Many claiming to follow Jesus distort His teachings, enforcing man-made doctrines that contradict His message of unconditional love. Denominational divisions further weaken marital counselling, as fragmented churches lack the unity Christ embodied. True Christianity isn’t about rules or rituals—it’s about embodying love that transcends differences (Matthew 5:44). There is no à la carte on Christian principles. What Jesus taught holds true, regardless of individual feelings. Jesus proclaimed the necessity of losing one’s life to truly find it, rather than attempting to save it (Matthew 10:39).
The divisions within Christianity underscore that pastors from denominational churches are frequently ill-prepared to offer effective marriage counselling. A denominational church, regardless of its perceived authenticity, is commonly a branch that has separated from another Christian organisation. A truly authentic Christian organisation cannot be a product of fragmentation or division. It is inconsistent to profess belief in Christ while being part of a group born out of discontent with another group. Jesus represents unity, an unbroken ideal that persisted even in the face of crucifixion.
Marriage as the Key to National Unity
The root of societal strife—political, racial, or tribal—lies in rejecting Jesus’s model of selfless union. Blaming other people for wrongs in the environment is totally misplaced. When two people truly become “one,” they mirror the harmony humanity was meant to share. Each person should be willing to bear the burdens or faults of others. The tendency to assign blame is avoided as understood to be a destructive practice, emanating from the devil.
Children raised in such homes learn conflict resolution and altruism, becoming agents of peace. This involves the principle of taking responsibility to address wrongs in society. Conversely, failed marriages perpetuate cycles of division, impacting communities and nations. The more harmonious marriages exist, the more promises of harmony in society.
Children raised in homes where parents maintain harmonious marriages become advocates of societal harmony. These children internalise the concept of altruism as exemplified in such marriages. For them, separation is unfamiliar, equipping them to mend relationships and foster understanding on critical matters of survival. Therefore, addressing troubled marriages is vital for effectively resolving national issues. The cumulative problems reflect the negligible harmonious marriages in our society.
The Path Forward
Repentance, the transformation from self-interest to selflessness, is the initial step. Just as a troubled marriage necessitates returning to its foundation, national healing begins with restoring the true purpose of marriage. This repentance should commence within Christian communities, embodying those whom Jesus entrusted with being the light of the world. Only through this can societies effectively address deeper issues. Expecting sinful humanity to change without applying the teachings of Jesus represents profound hypocrisy, which deeply troubled Him.
In Christ’s words: “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given” (Matthew 19:11). For those who embrace it, marriage isn’t just a union—it’s the blueprint for unity in a fractured world. From such people, we have the beacon of hope. We cannot talk of national unity as long as marital discords are not adequately addressed. However, all humans are equipped with the ability to introspect and do what is right, guided by truth, emanating from Jesus’ teachings (John 8:31-32).
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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