Comments

I am happy that marriage is a covenant. I enjoy the security that we have within our marriage. I like that both Lainey and I are committed to each other and to making our life together work. I am happy that there can be no situation or circumstance that is so bad that it would cause us to abandon each other. I am glad that when Lainey and I said our vows to each other we both understood that this was a lifelong commitment.

For some couples however, marriage is entered with small print secretly stashed away inside the heart. “Yes I mean these vows, but if circumstances change then I reserve the right to leave, to move on”. I find it hard to understand why so many couples want to treat marriage as a contract when doing so brings instability to their relationship. All marriages have periods of marital trouble and strife from time to time. At these times the relationship needs commitment to work through the issues together. If one or both has access to their “fine print” conditions then the commitment to the relationship that is needed does not exist and all too often divorce is the result. Self-fulfilling prophecy - the decision to reserve the option to divorce often brings the fruit of that decision.

If you or your spouse entered marriage with a get-out clause in the back of your mind then there is only one way to gain security and peace of mind in your relationship. Take time to discuss the fine print and decide to rip up the get-out clause. Stop treating your marriage like a contract and instead start protecting your marriage covenant together. The benefits will be security in your relationship which far outweighs the responsibility of honouring your marriage covenant.