Love has several aspects, and each is designed to be an integral part of a marriage relationship.  There is first the magnetic drawing of two people together, which is usually termed desire (Gen. 29:18) and which should remain a very important facet of every marriage (Prov. 5:17-19).  Love also has a facet of romance – strong, sweet, and absorbing (Gen. 26:8-9).  Genuine love is marked by contentment with each other, and a sense of assurance and belonging that enables partners to care for one another and to give the promise of total loyalty (Ruth 3:9-11).  The fourth facet of love is friendship, with an emphasis on communicating and being close, sharing thoughts and feelings, and dreaming together (Song 2:14).

These four aspects of love are held together with God’s love, which is absolutely essential if the marriage is going to endure.  God’s love is unconditional; it is given with no thought of response.  Self-sacrificing love (Gk. Agepê) is an act of the will and not the emotions (1 Cor. 13:4-8).  Agepê love is unselfish and undemanding, realises value of the loved one, recognises responsibility for the beloved, continues to grow, never fades, and is pure (1 Cor. 12:12-13).

God demands permanence in marriage (Mal. 2:16), but He intended for it to be a growing, loving relationship from beginning to end (Eccl. 9:9).  This is a truth bound up in God’s will, and thus it is possible for Christians to accomplish it.

As all five aspects of love come to find expression in a marriage relationship, permanence is assured.  The house will be built, established, and filled with precious and pleasant riches (Prov. 14:1; 24:3-4).