Marriage isn’t just about fancy ceremonies, or finding your “other half” to complete you. It’s a divine institution established by God – one rooted in responsibility, selflessness, and most importantly, love expressed through action. This was the message shared by Bishop James and Helena Marques during last week’s Love Therapy session, as they introduced the 17th tool of Intelligent Love: The Denarius.
But what can this Roman coin, mentioned in the Bible, teach us about relationships?
In Matthew 22:19–21, Jesus was shown a denarius and was asked whether taxes should be paid. His response was: “…Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” At first glance, you would think it’s a statement about our duty to the government. But when you think deeper, you will see that this principle also applies to marriage. Just as you wouldn’t withhold what belongs to Caesar, in marriage, you shouldn’t withhold what is due to your spouse.
Romans 13:7–8 goes a step further: “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
In marriage, you don’t love your partner because they’ve earned it or if they deserve it. You love them because it’s right. It’s part of the commitment you made to them.
Are you giving your partner what is due? And not just the bare minimum, but genuine love, attention, honesty, support, and forgiveness?
Marriage isn’t about keeping score. Sometimes you’ll give more. Sometimes your partner will. But both of you should be striving to outdo one another in love, not in complaint.
And remember: you don’t become “less” of a man by caring for your wife, or “less” of a woman by supporting your husband. That kind of mindset comes from the world, not the Word.
Think of it this way: when you give to your partner what is theirs – the love that God designed you to share. When you do, you’re not just maintaining a relationship. You’re honouring how God intended marriage to be.
To continue learning how to build a love life that reflects God’s purpose, we invite you to join us at the Love Therapy Seminar this Thursday at 8pm.
Event: The Love Therapy Seminar
Day and time: Thursday 19th June at 8pm
Location: The Cathedral of Miracles, Rainbow Theatre, 232 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3NX (outside London via conference)
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