Romance in Marriage

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Wise Living

Scripture paints a romantic picture of marriage: God created Eve for Adam so they could become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).  Although there are many facets to the term “one flesh,” the physical aspect of romance is clearly included.  No book in the Bible captures it better than the Song of Solomon with its references to “beloved”: “Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful” (1:16), “My beloved is mine and I am his, he browses among the lilies” (2:16, see also 6:3), “I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me” (7:10).  Of course, there are more verses in the Song of Solomon that use more imaginative language, but we’ll stick with these.

The desires of romance can certainly be delightful, but they can also lead to another blessing: children.  And once children come along, things change.  We have a new responsibility to “train up” our children for their lifelong journey (Proverbs 22:6).  Since children learn by hearing what we say and by watching what we do, it is important to model for them good money practices in our marriages.

Whether parents constantly argue about money, never talk about money, or talk openly and fairly about money, the children are watching and learning.  To encourage open communication, a national ministry called “Compass – finances God’s way” in their on-line “Money and Marriage” course (https://compass1.org/) provides guidelines for effectively communicating about money, one of which is always being honest with your spouse.  There should be no money secrets in marriage.  Husbands and wives should talk candidly about earning, giving, saving, and spending money.

Getting back to romance, honesty about money in marriage has its additional benefits – it increases communication, which increases oneness, which increases intimacy, which increases romance.  And, to add fuel to the romantic fire, read the Song of Solomon with your beloved.

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com