“Yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant” (Malachi 2:14).

Malachi wrote to his people about the treacherous way some of the husbands were treating their wives. God hated the treachery of these unfaithful husbands. Malachi wrote in very powerful and pointed ways about the sanctity of marriage. Malachi reminded these husbands that their wives were their companions and the wives of their covenant. Marriage is not a contract with loopholes and ways to get out of it. Marriage is a covenant. This covenant is the pledging of one’s life to another. In marriage the husband and wife pledge to each other their lives. They literally give themselves to each other. It is an exclusive choice. These are not just nice words to say. In fact, they have extra significance to me. On this day, forty-three years ago my bride and I were married. I can tell you very honestly that understanding the covenant and companionship aspect of marriage really works. Even with folks that have two very different personalities, Karen and I long ago became best friends, and we still are today. That’s why it is a joy for me to be writing my next book. The title is “Growing- Staying Best Friends When the Honeymoon’s Over.” If you are married, don’t lose sight of the covenant and companionship God greatly desires for you.

For today: Pray for marriages in America. Strong marriages help to produce strong churches. We surely need this today.