Publisher's Synopsis
Marriage Issues Vol 1 is a series of topical issues in marriage. In "Marriage Issues Vol 1," Pastor Robert Chirima explores the complexities of marriage in contemporary society, addressing critical topics that impact couples today. This insightful book delves into issues such as rural-to-urban migration and its effects on relationships, societal attitudes toward marriage conflicts, the significance of values and norms when choosing a life partner, and the challenges posed by extended families and long-distance relationships, especially for those in the diaspora. Through this series, Chirima aims to provide practical guidance and biblical wisdom for navigating the multifaceted journey of marriage.
Marriage is a holy institution designed for those who are called by God to worship him. It reflects our relationship with God. It should be guarded jealously because the devil always wants to fight and substitute God's order by his fakes. The devil wants to succeed God by deceiving people. Blessed are those who have realized it and they will resist his influence and follow God the creator of heavens and earth. God is the author of life and he is also the perfector of our faith. He is the one who started marriage when he married Adam to Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Marriage is his design but the devil is against the idea of the union that exists between man and a woman because it reflects the fellowship that we have with God. We definitely need to pray for our marriages.
Of the people I interviewed, eighty percent (80%), believe that urbanization contributed only 20% when it comes to factors affecting marriage. The 20% believe that urbanization contributes 50% of marriage problems.
In some marriages, there is no fun like what the two used to have before marriage. What has gone wrong? In most homes, all joy has been drained to the so called "small houses" which real Christians would call "Smell houses". A small house provides the joy needed or that is lacking in most houses. Some of them say, "We are there to fill up the gap in homes". I spoke to some of them and they said to me, "Mothers at home should support us because we have saved their marriages". In their wrong, they are right. We have some homes that run a sexually dry relationship and what then do you expect these fathers to do. They will find whatever they are not getting for free at home for billions of dollars which is supposed to be the savings for family investments. Small houses are temporary; they do not treat people or clients with kid gloves. They will tell you someone is waiting for me, so it is a give or take situation.
They have an I do not care attitude. Man has no choice except to just bore their heads to the demands. In shona we say, "Kwadzinorohwa matumbu ndiko kwadzinomanyira". My encouragement is that whenever there are problems or confrontations in a marriage, Counseling from the pastor or elders should be sought early. Do not opt for divorce because divorce will affect not only yourself but children and relatives. You give people responsibilities that they are not supposed to carry.
Single ladies or man has become popular as a result of searching for greener pastures popularly known as "Diaspora." Most marriages have been affected so much. Money is a necessary ingredient for life but it should not be sought at the expense of the family. Otherwise it will look like people live for money other than to please one another as you ought to in marriage. We should value our marriages not money.
