“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)

These were God’s words to Adam and Eve when they were in the Garden of Eden. He knew that they would one day become a mother and father and needed to acknowledge this.

Unfortunately, many couples fail to understand this precious rule in marriage.

The moment you say, “I do” on the altar, your father and mother become relatives and husband and wife form a new family. When people fail to practise this, it creates disorder in the family structure.

You can’t put your father or mother above your husband or wife. You must love and respect them, but they cannot interfere in your marriage, regardless of whatever hardship you go through. Difficulties are an opportunity for a couple to learn and to evolve together, not to be running to parents to solve their problems.

God – the Author of love – should always be in first place. He made the rules of marriage. He is like the referee in a football match who establishes order and points out our faults. For example, when both parties think they are right, it is God who makes the guilty person aware that they are wrong. It is then, up to them to listen to Him, break their pride and apologise. This is why He has to be first, so that He can guide you.

You are the next priority. Jesus said that we should love our neighbour as ourselves, (Matthew 22:39) but you cannot give what you don’t have. If you don’t love yourself, what kind of love are you sharing with your partner?

Your spouse is the third priority, and relatives come after that. If you do something for your partner, but you know it’s wrong and doesn’t please God, you are putting them above God.

Even if you are currently single, this order still applies. Some people put their careers above God and even above any opportunity to be fulfilled in their love life.

The key is to keep the order and no matter whether you are single or married, you will be happy. Listen to the Referee of love.

Join us for the Love Therapy seminar as we continue to discuss the couples from Genesis and learn from their relationships. It takes place every Thursday at 8pm, at Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, N4 3NX.

Please come wearing a face covering and follow all social distancing guidelines. Call or send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6000 for more details.

Meeting: Couple from Genesis at the Love Therapy seminar
Day and time: Thursday at 8pm
Location: Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, N4 3NX.