The Marriage Journey

I’m sure you’ve heard many sermons on marriage by now—most likely during wedding services, though I suspect you weren’t always paying close attention (!).

Come to think of it, marriage is probably one of the most frequent topics I’ve preached on over the years. And rightly so—few relationships shape our lives as deeply.

As we dedicate the pulpit this morning to the theme of marriage, I encourage you to hear it within the broader context of our current sermon series. We’ve been exploring “gifts of the other”—the relationships and communities God places us in. I trust these messages have helped you form a more biblical view of our social and communal life.

Marriage, of course, lies at the very center of life for many of us. If you’re married, you’ve likely devoted a significant portion of your life to that relationship, starting from the days of courtship. For most, it spans more than half a lifetime—and not just in time, but in emotional and spiritual investment. From our highest joys to our most painful valleys, marriage has the power to shape us profoundly. One could even say that no other person influences our personality, character, spirituality, and even destiny more than our spouse.

If life is “probative”—that is, shaping and preparing us for eternity—then surely marriage plays a central role in that formation.

As I reflect on how my parents’ generation viewed marriage, especially as Chinese immigrants, practical concerns often took priority: financial stability, the desire for children, or simply fulfilling cultural expectations. Marriage was largely about companionship and duty. Still, our hearts are warmed when we witness elderly couples who have stayed faithful “till death do us part.” A few Sundays ago, I spoke about the call to permanent relationships—an idea closely linked to what marriage is meant to embody.

Cultural shifts, of course, deeply affect our views on marriage. We've seen those views evolve and, along with them, much brokenness. Yet even the struggles within marriage can be part of our growth. For many, learning to love and be loved is a lifelong journey.

Whether we come from Asian or Western contexts, whether ancient or modern, as Christians we must continually return to what the Bible teaches about marriage. Holding fast to these truths can guide us—especially when we feel lost.

That’s what I’ll be focusing on in today’s sermon.