“Would You Marry Yourself?” (Ephesians 5:28-30)

I was viewing a popular show about a popular matchmaker. Each participant, seeking a marriage partner, was asked a variety of questions. “What are you looking for in your partner?” “Do you want children?” “Where will you live?” None of these are surprising. However, one question did stand out. 

“Would you marry yourself?”

This self-reflection may seem obvious but how one answers may give insight into one’s personality. Answering too quickly and affirmatively may indicate narcissistic tendencies. Answering too slowly or with hesitation may indicate low self-esteem. What about a middle ground? Psychologists and marriage counselors have a field day analyzing this answer. Is there an ideal answer to this seemingly simple question? Once again, God gave us the answer, thousands of years ago.

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. 

Ephesians 5:28-30 (NLT)

God created marriage and defined the boundaries and expectations for each partner. The ideal marriage focuses on Jesus Christ and His example of how He loves us and His Church. If a husband loves Jesus Christ, then He will love his wife as himself since we are part of the Body of Jesus Christ. No obscure psychology. No outside pressures of finances or children. The only question that one has to answer is, “Do you love Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”

Would you marry yourself?

If you have placed God at the center of your relationship, the answer is an unequivocal yes!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.