A shared life

Genesis describes the man's aloneness as not good and presents the woman as a fitting partner. The account moves toward a new family bond and one flesh. Read it as a call to faithful partnership, not permission to possess another person. A shared life requires receiving the other as someone to honor.

Put the Word into practice

Ask your spouse what would help them feel supported this week, then listen without preparing a defense.

Search the Scripture

What changes in the man's relationship to his family when the passage describes marriage?

A prayerful response

Father, help us honor the partnership You call us to build. Amen.