Marriage faces significant threats in modern society, both from external influences and internal struggles. Never before in the history of the Western world, since the decline of Greek and Roman paganism, has fidelity in marriage been so endangered, with unbridled sexual passions widely encouraged and praised. The mass media exacerbates this by using the lure of sex to promote materialism and glamorize pleasure-seeking, impacting society with a scope and immediacy unparalleled in any other age. Internally, marriage is challenged by a prevailing philosophy of self-fulfillment and moral relativity, where actions are justified by situational context rather than predetermined ethical norms. This new moral code, centered on the self, often leads to decisions that harm relationships, as individuals lack the foresight to predict the consequences of their actions. Such a philosophy contributes to the degeneration of the marriage relationship, fostering an environment where lust and personal desire override upright morality and patience. The Christian standard, as reinforced by Jesus Christ, calls for chastity before marriage and fidelity afterward, standing in stark contrast to societal norms. Yet, even within Christian marriages, the struggle persists due to worldly pressures and inherent human weaknesses. The solution lies not in retreat or denial but in embracing a pure morality, fighting debased values with the teachings of Christ, and recognizing that the sexual instinct, as distorted by culture, must be redirected toward God's intended purpose for marriage. A true Christian marriage reflects the union of believers with Christ, encompassing a union of body, soul, and spirit. Without this spiritual dimension, marriages lack the depth God desires, leading to inevitable discord when based solely on physical attraction or emotional compatibility. For those within the church, maintaining this high standard requires constant effort to cultivate mutual interests and spiritual alignment, acknowledging that emotional and intellectual unions do not come naturally but must be diligently pursued. Even in cases where separation or discord has occurred within marriage, hope remains. God is able to restore and renew relationships when individuals yield to His will, allowing Him to rekindle love that has grown cold and transform hostility into a true Christian union. By submitting to Christ's standards, couples can experience a new creation, where all things are made new through His grace.

Marriage, as intended by God, is a lifelong union, reflecting the permanent bond between Jesus Christ and His church. God established marriage from the beginning of creation as a covenant of oneness, where a man and a woman become one flesh, a union not to be separated by human will. However, the reality of separation within marriage, often leading to divorce, stands in stark contrast to this divine intent. God hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence, symbolizing the profound harm and treachery it inflicts on the sacred covenant. This violence is not limited to physical acts but includes any mistreatment—verbal, attitudinal, or through infidelity—that destroys trust and abuses the privileges of marriage. Separation within marriage, when it occurs, should aim for reconciliation, providing a time for both husband and wife to calm contention and deeply reflect on their inability to get along. The goal must always be to salvage the marriage, especially among those who are converted, as they are equipped with spiritual resources to overcome challenges. Yet, hardness of heart, hostility, and faithlessness often hinder this process, leading to irreparable damage. Even in such cases, the principle of permanency remains central, urging couples to strive for faithfulness and to mirror God's unchanging love, as exemplified in the story of Hosea, who remained faithful to his unfaithful wife, reflecting God's enduring commitment to His people. Among converted individuals, separation and the pursuit of relationships outside the marriage during this period are grave violations of the covenant, tantamount to adultery. Such actions within the community of believers are not to be condoned, as they affect the purity of the whole congregation. The responsibility to uphold God's standards falls on all members, ensuring that the sanctity of marriage is guarded against erosion by worldly influences or personal failings. God's original design for marriage as a permanent union must be the guiding attitude for every believer entering and sustaining this sacred bond.