Tobit 8: 1-9, 1 Corinthians 6:13-20, Matthew 7:7-12
“The basic error of mankind has been to assume that only two are needed for love: you and me, or society and me, or humanity and me. Really it takes three: self, other selves, and God; you, and me, and God. … One cannot tie two sticks together without something outside the sticks.”- Fulton Sheen
The first time that I heard today’s passages, I was at my friend’s wedding. The priest at their wedding complimented my friend on her choice of readings and I couldn’t help but agree with him. It was my first time ever hearing a passage from Tobit, so right off the bat, I knew that my friend and her husband had something different in mind from the typical feel good sentimentality most couples want. Usually, at weddings, you would hear 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 and not the very blunt truth from 1 Corinthians 6:13-20 that my friend chose.
Our relationships are not within our control, nor do our partners take complete control of us. Instead, it’s a team effort involving both partners and God. In these days where people focus more on extravagant weddings rather than putting an effort into making the marriage work, Tobias and Sarah take a wise step in asking God to enter into their marriage before they consummate it.
How many of us single ladies have a list of things we want in a boyfriend that’s so long and specific that no actual person can measure up? It’s very much like this song called “6-2” by Marie Miller which includes these lyrics:
“No I'm not particular
But could he have blue eyes
Just like the sky
And blonde hair
Wavy and light
And 6 foot 2 is my favorite height
But Lord I don't care what he looks like.”
If you’re single, reflect on the Gospel of Matthew shared here. God knows what you have in mind, but when you talk to him about what you seek in a future husband, He will work with you and lead you to someone who not only fits what you want, but everything that you need as well. Just don’t get consumed with wondering what your future husband looks like or what kind of person he is. God is handling it. All you have to do is ask Him and have faith that He will lead you to the right man.
If you’re already in a relationship or married, the passage from the Gospel of Matthew can still apply when you connect it with the passage from Corinthians. You’re in a relationship, but don’t forget that God is a part of it and the purpose of having a godly relationship, married or not, is to ultimately glorify God through your relationship. Ask God to help you with your relationships and He will. Seek ways to improve your relationships and you will find them. Knock on the doors that slam in your face and you might find them opened.
STUDY QUESTIONS: What are your standards when it comes to relationships? Do they focus on the character of your significant other or is it more superficial? How do you think God contributes to marriages and other relationships? Is God part of the relationships that you have now?
