Danielle Aviles Marriage Contract What is a marriage contract?

The internet will tell you to write an effective marriage contract you must list what you and your partners rights, goals, responsibilities, and revisions/ways out of the contract are. It may also state that an effective marriage contract entails the beliefs of both parties, benefits, obligations, prohibitions (such as adultery and abandonment), a protocol for appealing a violation of said contract, and parameters for divorce and separation. This is all very disturbing. Two people should not view marriage as a contract they are entering, they should remember that marriage is a covenant between a man, woman, and God. This covenant is a supernatural act created by God, a holy institution, it should not be allowed to be broken. The way Americans view marriage now is sad and pathetic. When entering into a marriage, divorce should never even be a possibility, if both parties are participating in loving each other. When thinking about what your marriage contract should contain a way out and protocol for dissolving of the relationship should not even come into the picture. Instead marriage should be seen through Gods eyes and upheld through the instruction of the Bible. What is a marriage in Gods eyes? A marriage is two becoming one. Gen 2:24, Eph 5:31, and Matthew 19:5-6 all state that, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh. Matthew 19:6 also states, so they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined let no one separate. With this being said, in a marriage divorce should never be an option. When the following practices are upheld, by the husband and wife, divorce is not a word that will ever even arise. The Bible gives guidelines of which to live by in a marriage. It is clear on the roles of a husband and the roles of a wife. When these roles are upheld, the most amazing marriage can be had, a true gift from God. What is better than this, I belong to my beloved and his desire is for me. SoS 7:10? The roles of a husband and father in a marriage include: Husbands ought to love their wives as their own body. No man ever hated his own body; but he nourished and cherished it. Eph 5:28-29 What does it mean to nourish and cherish? nourish: to cherish, keep alive, strengthen, build up, promote

cherish: to hold or treat as dear, feel love for, to care for tenderly, to cling fondly to Husbands should be considerate with their wives. They should also treat them with respect. 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands should love their wives. Ephesians 5:25 and Col 3:19 With the exception of a relationship with God, a husband should value his relationship with his wife above all other relationships including with parents, children, self, and work. Husbands should value their wives above themselves. Phil 2:3 Husbands should have full confidence in their wives and husbands should not take their wives for granted. Proverbs 31:11 Husbands should keep their eyes only on their wives. Husbands should never look lustfully at another young woman. Job 31:1 Husbands should be providers. Gen 2:15, Gen 3:17-19, 1 Tim 5:8 Husbands should be the leader of the family. 1 Cor 11:3, Eph 5:23, Mark 1:35 Husbands should praise their wives. Proverbs 31:28 Husbands should be considerate and tender. 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands should not be harsh with their wives. Col 3:19 Husbands should not take their wives for granted. Husbands should remember that wives are heirs with you of the gracious gift of life 1 Peter 3:7 Fathers should bring their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Eph 6:4 Husbands should honor their wives for all that they do. Proverbs 31:31 The role of wives in a marriage should include the following: Wives should love their husbands and children. Titus 2:4

Wives should respect their husbands. Eph 5:33 Wives should work hard at building a home with her husband. Proverbs 14:1 Wives should give their bodies to their husbands. 1 Cor 7:4 Wives should not deprive their husbands except by mutual consent. 1 Cor 7:5 Wives should not prefer anyone over their own husbands. Wives should seek approval from their husbands over strangers. Ezek 16:32 Wives should not yell. Wives should have a gentle and quiet spirit. 1 Peter 3:4 Wives should submit to their husbands. 1 Peter 3:1, Eph 5: 22,24, and Col 3:18 submit: to give power to, to allow another to have authority, to yield oneself to Wives should be pure. It doesnt matter what is on the outside, a husband should find beauty from her inner self. 1 Peter 3:2-4 Wives should be self controlled and pure. Wives should also be busy at home, kind, and subject to their husband. Titus 2:5 Wives should think highly of their husband. SoS 5:10-16 Wives should be noble, providers, open to the poor, confident, strong, dignified, wise, watchful, and so much more. Proverbs 31:10-28 The Wife of Noble Character A wife of noble character who can find? she is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing food from afar. She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. A husband and wife are not perfect, for no human is. When the above is not reached what should be done? Divorce! NO. The Bible teaches us to forgive. When a husband or wife hurt one another, there should be forgiveness, Luke 17:3-4 and John 20:23. When you love and live for your spouse this is not a worry. We should walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us, Eph 5:2. Without love we are nothing, 1 Cor 13:2, 3. The Bible defines love in the following way, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor 13:4-7 Love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8. If a husband and wife will commit to loving each other, then the marriage will persevere and will

not fail. A contract is not needed. It is the covenant between a man, woman, and God that is. I desire a life-style that is pleasing to God. I expect my husband to be a man of faith and a man of the LORD. I will strive to be a woman of the LORD. I will do my best to live a life that reflects my Christian views, and I expect the same from my husband. We will have a successful marriage because we will put God first, each other second, and everything and everyone else third. Through communication, tolerance, hard work, and dedication this marriage will flourish. Prayer is an important part of a working marriage. We will pray together and separately to ensure this marriage will be lasting and good. I agree to live by these terms X______________________
Danielle Aviles Wife of Matthew Aviles Daughter of the LORD