A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
“Becoming best friends in marriage means that we must become sticky friends. The word used in Proverbs 18:24 for ‘sticks’ is the same word used in Genesis 2:24 for ‘cleaving’: ‘For this cause, a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.’
‘Cleaving’ or ‘sticking’ is a commitment to permanency in marriage—to be glued together for life. Without such a permanent bond, best friendships in marriage will eventually disintegrate. Superficial companionships are the best for which we can hope.”
—Professor Barry Leventhal
Friendship in marriage is something we all long for, yet we quickly discover that cultivating and maintaining it throughout the life of our marriage can be more challenging than anticipated. Sometimes, we just need a gentle nudge—a reminder that God created and fulfills our need for relationship through the gift of our spouse.
A special marriage is one where we can experience all aspects of being spiritually aligned, emotionally connected, and physically bonded. Being able to say you are both friends and lovers is, by God’s design, exclusive to the marriage relationship. No other person, as delineated in Scripture, should be given that place in our lives.
How’s your friendship with your spouse? True friendship in marriage isn’t just about companionship; it’s about choosing daily to cleave to one another and make each other a priority. Invest in your friendship, nurture it, and watch how God deepens your love in ways you never expected.
