ENDLESS HONEYMOON

“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” – Genesis 2:25

With regards to the marital relationship, the Perfect Will of God is ENDLESS HONEYMOON: “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Gen.2:25). The relationship of the first couple, Adam and Eve, was one of perfect purity and innocence. There was no sin in them, and no strife between them. They were at peace with God, with themselves, and with each other. This was the perfect marriage – paradise. If it had lasted, humankind would have experienced the same degree of marital bliss of those glorious days; but the honeymoon was truncated!

The term “honeymoon” conveys the idea that the first moon, or first month, of marriage is the sweetest and most satisfying. The metaphor of “honeymoon” in marriage represents a time of romantic bliss. It suggests a peak that often declines. In God’s design however, that’s not how it ought to be. Marriages should grow better over time, not worse. Every new month should be sweeter and more satisfying than the preceding. Unfortunately, many marriages have turned out just as the word honeymoon implies – the first month was the best, and everything faced downhill thereafter!

The story of Adam and Eve as the archetypal marriage illustrates how even an ideal relationship can confront conflict and decline. Theirs was the perfect beginning, the Ideal marriage. God planned and performed their union flawlessly; they enjoyed perfect communion, innocence, unity, and harmony with God, pure ecstasy with each other, and with creation. Their home was a luxuriant garden – Eden, meaning “delight” (vv.8-15). The two were Ideal marriage partners. Adam was molded by the Master Maker (v.7). He had a perfect mind, emotion, will, and was untainted by sin. Fashioned from Adam’s side, Eve’s making was God’s creative genius at its best. She was matched to him, balancing, suitable, and “brought to” him by God (vv.18-22).

The two found intense, indescribable pleasure in each other’s company (vv.23-24). Their unity – spiritually, emotionally, and physically – was seamless, until sin and the fall entered the picture, ending the blissful honeymoon. Satan tempted Eve, who yielded and offered the forbidden fruit to Adam. Disobedience severed their fellowship with God and each other (Gen.3: 1-13). Abruptly, life changed: innocence lost, shame entered, blame followed, and barriers in communication and unity broke down.

We can draw a few parallels between this first marriage and contemporary Christian marriages:

First, even the best marriages can slide toward distance, conflict, and decline if sin, pride, or disobedience take root.

Second, the ideal is growth – not just maintaining the first thrills, but deepening love, understanding, and oneness over time.

Third, recognizing when “the first honeymoon is over” is a call to vigilance, humility, repentance, and renewed commitment.

In Christ, by God’s Word and Spirit, the trend of decline can be reversed for paradise regained and an endless honeymoon!