1 Corinthians 7:3, Render Due Benevolence

1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Marriage is a blessed union of mutual dependence between the husband and the wife. With each carrying out their part of the commitment to support, encourage and bless one another in a lifetime of cleaving, comforting and strengthening. “Due benevolence” means demonstrating “kindness, conjugal duty, good will, consideration, thoughtfulness, unselfishness, compassion, kind-heartedness”. Let each fulfil their martial duty! [Hendricksen]

There is companionship in a marriage. The husband and wife take care of each other, a friend and confidant to one another. This is the closest relationship between two human beings on earth. It is likened to the relationship between Christ and the church. Marriage is ordained of God for companionship and mutual help – Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

May God’s people understand the biblical pattern for marriage and live by its blessings. Amen.