Our Creator has revealed everything we need to fulfill the role He assigned us while we live on His earth.
When reading the account of the creation of the first couple, one question should stand out: why were they not created at the same time, in the same way that Yehovah created the animals? The answer is simple.
Since Adam was a being capable of reasoning, it was essential for him to become aware of his need for a companion. For this reason, Yehovah gave him a task that would lead him to discover that reality. As Adam carried out his work, he noticed that every male animal had a female counterpart. That is why the account says:
…the man gave names to all livestock, to the birds of the heavens, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him.
Genesis 2:20
Once he became aware of his need, Yehovah did not invite him to suggest what kind of companion he would prefer. Instead, He caused him to fall into a deep sleep, and according to His own judgment, He took a part of the man and created a woman. When Adam awoke, she was presented to him, and in astonishment he declared:
This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh…
Genesis 2:23
How does this unfold today?
In His sovereignty, Yehovah governs all the circumstances of our lives. While we are growing and maturing, we are, in a sense, “asleep” to this need. This is evident in the fact that as children we are not concerned with who our future spouse will be. Yet at the same time, Yehovah is at work, preparing that person who, in unexpected ways, will one day cross our path—awakening interest, creating mutual attraction, and beginning a relationship that leads to a marriage, a covenant meant to be honored for a lifetime.
This gives us an important reason for parents, even when their children are still young, to begin praying for the person their son or daughter will one day marry. That person is most likely already in this world, being shaped through life’s experiences. And when they meet our child, they will bring with them emotional, cultural, and family influences that will significantly impact the relationship.
The ground rules for a lasting relationship
Our Creator has revealed what we need to know in order to fulfill the roles He assigned to us while we live on His earth. He designed the marital relationship because He created us with that need: a man who is to be completed, or complemented, by a woman. In Genesis 2:24–25, Yehovah established three simple principles—sufficient for a relationship to function according to His plan:
- Principle of SEPARATION: A man shall leave his father and his mother.
- Principle of UNITY: He shall be joined to his wife.
- Principle of INTIMACY: They shall become one flesh.
If we reflect carefully, we will find that every problem a couple may face is directly connected to the violation of one of these three principles. There is also an implicit but equally important factor: the first couple had a close relationship with their Creator. As long as they trusted Yehovah, everything functioned properly; but when they distrusted Him, everything fell apart.
In the same way, our relationships will function as long as Yehovah remains an active part of our lives. The moment we turn our backs on Him or push Him into the background of our home, we forfeit the possibility of enjoying a fulfilling—though still imperfect—relationship.
What happened in Eden is a reflection of what happens in many homes today: a man lacking authority and leadership, a woman driven by emotions and acting independently, making poor decisions—and the unavoidable consequences: fear, shame, guilt, deception, and failure.
The choice is yours.