Page 61 - Issue 48_press_efile

LEISURE
but one. What therefore God has joined together, let no man
put asunder” (Mathew 19:3-6)
Thus, as on other occasions, He answered His opponents by
stating a fundamental truth-in this case that marriage was
divinely intended to unite two persons for eternity. Here He
touched upon the first five vital secrets of a happy marriage.
1. PRESERVE UNITY AT ALL COSTS.
A wedding should see two hearts laid upon an altar that is
aglow with the fire of divine love.
It should be the beginning of a lifelong experience of thinking
together, planning together, hoping together, and praying
together. The beautiful oneness should pervade every phase
of life from wedding day until the journey’s end.
The precious unity of marriage should be guarded with
the utmost diligence. It is too valuable to pass away in idle
jesting. How many have wished, too late, that the first hint of
separation had never been spoken?
Encircle the vital unity with the protecting walls of love. Loving prevail always.
words, Loving deeds, Mutual thoughtfulness, Mutual tolerance,
Mutual forgiveness. Above all, with a determination to stick
together always, come what may. This way lies happiness.
2. KEEP CONFIDENCE
Nothing will contribute more to preserving unity than keeping
private matters within the walls of the new home. That is
where they belong. That is where they should be kept. They are
nobody else’s business. Not even close relatives or old friends.
Each home, if it is to last, must have a sacred citadel of
exclusiveness where no prying eyes or gossiping tongues
are permitted. Mutual trust, thus fostered, will grow with the
passing years. This way lies Happiness.
3. SETTLE MISUNDERSTANDINGS AT ONCE
Two people of different background, upbringing, language and
sometimes nationality are bound to have misunderstandings.
It would be unrealistic to expect otherwise. These are part of
the adjustments that marriage entails. They should never be
allowed to develop into long-drawn- out quarrels. The Bible
instructs that they should be settled on the same day they
arise, before nightfall. “Do not let the sun go down on your
anger,” counsels the Apostle Paul, and his advice is particularly
good for people in relationships.
The costliness of petty grievances cherished and unresolved is
beyond calculation. Every highway to a divorce court is strewn
and littered with the resulting wreckage.
At the onset of any quarrel read these words of reason and
meditate on them. Fungua ROHO YAKO. WIN THE ARGUMENT
AND LOOSE THE RELATIONSHIP OR LOOSE THE ARGUMENT
AND SAVE THE RELATIONSHIP. This way lies Happiness.
4. LET LOVE PREVAIL.
This is the solution and remedy for most difficulties. Never
let love die out. Keep it alive whatever may have been said or
done. Keep it unfailing and it will cover all sins. The hurts will
be healed, the mistakes will be forgotten, and the impatience
and unkindness will be forgiven. Given a Chance, love will
This way lies Happiness.
5. LET GOD DIRECT
Marriages will succeed only if God directs them. He has the
blueprints of a perfect life. A dedicated marriage will never
break up.
When husband and wife gladly put God first in everything and
look to Him for direction in all their affairs, they will be blessed
with peace, harmony and contentment that will be the envy of
their friends. Unity of worship, devotion, sacrifice will do more
than anything else to keep a relationship (marriage) durable.
Now, faced with all these truths and facts that have withstood
the tests of time and always prevailed, it’s right to affirm that it
is possible to attain true happiness and fulfillment in marriage.
Though old, this institution will always serve to bring joy to life
if approached with a sober mind. Anyone out there willing to
get married?
John Kioko
59| SACCO Star Magazine