I wrote this while feeling uneasy about the affection I was receiving at the time, and I was riled with questions on how to make sense of me feeling this way. However, I was led to something much richer and edifying, and I am pleased to share.
I think it is very easy to make bold claims and professions of our affections towards someone. Most times, the words are right at the edge of our tongues and pushed out of our lips by the emotions we feel towards that person. What we feel is a great conviction that justifies every affirmation of utterances being made in that instance. It is quite a rush! And while these are not entirely harmful or bad, they are ultimately the result of emotionally driven decisions.
However, God called Abram out of his father's house, away from his kindred, away from his country to a place where he knew not. I can't say to what degree of faith he acted on, or how strongly he believed, or if he didn't care about where he would end up; as long as he had God, but he “left his birthplace” and began his journey of growth; Gen 12. And so, after this, he began a true relationship with the one whom he was solely dependent on. In return, God took absolute responsibility over Abraham open (gave him a new name) and promised to bless him greatly. This was a profession of a true and deep intimate love.
Now, the best part, in all of this, was the mutual faithfulness between God and Abraham. At this point, I have an understanding that God trusted Abraham first, and that led Abraham to develop his own trust in the Lord.
In the same way, Abraham left his father's father’s house and kindred, Gen 2: 4 also tells us how a woman shall in the same manner “become led by her husband”; even with the name change and become one with him. Most importantly, he becomes responsible for her just as God became responsible for Abraham. Equally fulfilling the promises made and vows of the established covenants or relationship.
It is indeed a great deal to become responsible for another human being. That is why we must look up to the one who made this institution of marriage for every guidance and counseling need as we partake of the covenant. This I have come to understand, is the first thing to be aware of when claiming to love someone and declaring that love without being inconsiderate.
So men ought to ask themselves “am I ready to become responsible for the life of another”? While the women need to ensure they understand the implications of leaving their home and taking on a lifetime adventure riled with uncertainties but blessed by God as the holy institution of marriage.
For further readings, please read through Ephesians 5: 23-32.