Why does it seem that the focus of marriage centers on what is physical? If such a focus displayed reality, then that would also be the focus that God has on marriage. But when in the Scriptures does it emphasize the physical above other things? When I think of Scripture passages dealing with marriage, I think of topics dealing with love, respect, understanding, sacrifice, giving and giving up, etc. These are the major emphasese, not the fulfillment of physical passion. Not that this is non-existant in Scripture, but it is not what is displayed as being the most important. But it is nevertheless what men and women look forward to the most on their wedding day. At least this is so according to my limited sources of observation. Welcome to America. Anyway, here are what I perceive to be the most important qualities of marriage: The permanent bond between two helps fit for each other-helps fit to aid in their spiritual walk with God, help in the work of God, lift up the other when they are down, to weep with, to rejoice with in all things for the rest of their lives; to have someone to understand and be understood by; to give and receive joy due to common love; to fulfill each other's love by being there, for no love desires to be seperated from its object. Many reasons are buried within these broad discriptions, and there are many more that could be mentioned. And I suppose this love that is true and in its right place doesn't have to be beckoned by the Spirit into the arms of God because its already there. It has recognized its King. It has fallen in love with Him too, foremost. First-not in a time sense but a priority sense. This is how love for another on earth can be its deepest and purest-when the fullness of one's love is buried deep within the heart of God. Otherwise, love only causes the Spirit to beckon and battles the Spirit when He beckons. This is the root of selfishness, the deepest enemy of love. This is what causes lust, aka love corrupted by the cancer of selfishness. Therefore, love cannot be what it is meant to be, hurting one's relationship with God and the other individual involved. Maybe this is one reason those entering into a marriage relationship find things the hardest right at the beginning. The physical relationship has transformed, and so often one's mind concerning the other individual has done so as well, replacing love with lust within the marriage relationship. Just because something's legal doesn't mean it has to be understood the proper way. Lawful fulfillment of passion doesn't have to be done in love for the other person. But it is done in love. For self, which, corresponding with one's relationship with the other, is lust. So where is the emphasis of marriage? It's found in the other person. It's found in God.