MARRIAGE IS HONOURABLE
The late afternoon sun slanted across the church compound, pouring warm gold across the cement floor and the tiled walkway.
Shadows of the neem tree stretched long and slow, its leaves whispering softly as the breeze passed through.
Somewhere beyond the gate, distant voices drifted in and out, softened by the open air.
Emmanuel sat alone on the low step near the chapel wall, his shoulders slightly hunched. His Bible rested unopened on his lap, his fingers pressed lightly against the worn cover.
His eyes were fixed on the ground, burdened with questions he had not yet found the courage to voice.
Pastor Daniel crossed the compound at an unhurried pace, his shoes brushing gently against the tiles. As he drew nearer, his gaze settled on Emmanuel.
He slowed, adjusting the edge of his clerical robe, sensing the weight hanging in the young man’s silence. The air seemed to pause with him.
Pastor Daniel’s voice broke through the stillness, calm and steady, carrying pastoral warmth.
Pastor Daniel (calmly):
“Peace be unto you, Emmanuel. Why sit here with such a heavy countenance?”
The breeze stirred the neem leaves again as Emmanuel’s chest rose with a slow breath. His lips parted slightly, as though weighing whether to speak.
When his tone finally came, it was careful and restrained, edged with uncertainty.
Emmanuel (hesitant):
“Pastor… people say marriage is not important anymore. Some live together without it, some break theirs after a few years.”
The words hung in the air. The compound felt wider, more exposed, as if the question itself had stretched the space.
Pastor Daniel remained quiet, allowing the concern to settle fully before Emmanuel continued.
Emmanuel’s voice followed again, softer but heavier, pressing deeper than the first.
Emmanuel (uncertain):
“I keep wondering… is marriage still honourable before God?”
Pastor Daniel lowered himself onto the step beside him. The fragrance of nearby flowers drifted between them, mingling with the warm scent of sunlit earth.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then the pastor lifted his right hand slowly. The air shimmered, and before them appeared a glowing spiritual screen, radiant yet gentle, as though heaven itself had leaned close.
On the screen, a man and a woman stood before God’s altar.
Their hands were joined, their faces lifted, light resting on them like a blessing sealed in eternity. Joy shone in their eyes, unmarred and pure.
Pastor Daniel’s tone softened as he spoke again, his words guided by reverence.
Pastor Daniel (gently):
“Look here, Emmanuel. The Scripture says, ‘Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.’”
The light from the screen reflected across the compound, touching the cement floor, the neem leaves, and even Emmanuel’s face.
The spiritual realm seemed to press closer, affirming the words spoken.
Pastor Daniel continued, his voice steady, carrying authority rooted in truth.
Pastor Daniel (firmly):
“It is God Himself who established marriage from the beginning, when He brought Eve to Adam.”
The screen pulsed gently, the image echoing creation’s first covenant. Emmanuel’s eyes did not leave it. His breathing slowed, his posture easing as understanding began to rise within him.
His voice emerged again, thoughtful and searching, shaped by revelation rather than doubt.
Emmanuel (thoughtful):
“So marriage is not just a human idea… it is God’s own covenant?”
Pastor Daniel inclined his head slightly, affirmation clear in his expression. His tone, steady and assured carrying the calm weight of conviction.
Pastor Daniel (assured):
“Yes, my son. It is a sacred covenant. The honour is not in the celebration alone, but in the purity and faithfulness of the union.”
The wind passed through the compound once more, lifting dust lightly before settling again. The atmosphere felt charged, holy, as if unseen witnesses approved.
Pastor Daniel’s voice deepened, carrying warning without harshness, truth without fear.
Pastor Daniel (solemnly):
“That is why the Word warns: ‘Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.’ Any love outside this covenant leads to destruction.”
The screen shifted. The image dissolved into another scene—a family gathered in prayer within their home.
Light streamed through a simple window, illuminating bowed heads and folded hands. Children knelt beside their parents, their voices united in reverence.
The compound seemed to grow quieter, as though even the environment was listening.
Emmanuel’s lips curved into a gentle smile. His voice emerged softly now, touched by peace.
Emmanuel (softly):
“I see now… marriage is more than companionship. It is a testimony of Christ and the Church.”
Pastor Daniel’s face warmed with approval. His hand came to rest lightly on Emmanuel’s shoulder, steady and reassuring. His tone carried a calm warmth—measured, fatherly, certain.
Pastor Daniel (warmly):
“Exactly. Honour it, prepare for it with purity, and guard it when you enter. For the enemy tries to defile what God has blessed.”
The spiritual screen dimmed slowly, its light withdrawing as the pastor lowered his hand. The compound returned fully to its earthly stillness.
Beyond the gate, children’s laughter carried faintly, grounding the moment in ordinary life touched by divine truth.
Emmanuel closed his Bible gently, the sound soft yet final, as though sealing a decision within his heart.
Peace settled over him, replacing the heaviness that had weighed him down earlier.
He lifted his face, his voice now earnest and resolved.
Emmanuel (earnestly):
“Pastor, please pray with me, that I may walk in purity until God grants me such honour.”
Pastor Daniel raised his face toward the sky, the fading sunlight brushing his features. His voice rose with quiet authority, prayer flowing like a steady stream.
Pastor Daniel (reverently):
“Father, we thank You for Your Word. Keep Emmanuel in the path of righteousness. Let his heart remain steadfast, waiting on Your perfect time. Bless all marriages, and heal those wounded by sin. In Jesus’ name.”
A hush followed, deep and sacred. Even the breeze seemed to pause.
Emmanuel’s response came as a whisper, full of surrender.
Emmanuel (humbly):
“Amen.”
The wind returned, gentle and cleansing, stirring the neem leaves and carrying away the last trace of uncertainty.
Emmanuel rose to his feet, his steps lighter now, purpose renewed.
He walked beside his pastor as the sun dipped toward the horizon, the compound bathed in the quiet victory of truth restored and peace secured.
THE END.
Written by Agbemawle Atsu Norvishi
© All Rights Reserved. Shared freely to bless and inspire.
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