September 3: Two Become One

 Two Become One

Mark 10:8 – God’s Design for Marriage

Scripture Focus:
“…and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”

By: Sharon Campbell-Danvers
Founder of Daughters Arise Ministries

– Mark 10:8 (NIV)

Two shall become one. How can this be? What does this truly mean? Can two distinct people, each with their own background, desires, habits, and dreams, really become one in marriage?

In Mark 10:8, Jesus reaffirms God’s original intention for marriage, that “the two will become one flesh.” When a man and woman enter into a covenant of marriage, they come to the altar as individuals. But something sacred takes place during that covenantal exchange; they rise as one. This concept left me puzzled for years. Did it mean that I had to give up my individuality, my personal goals, and my dreams? Was I now required to submit my entire identity to my husband's will?

But the more I studied this Scripture and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead, I realised that this passage speaks of a divine unity, one that does not erase individuality but instead invites mutual sacrifice, alignment, and purpose.

When we enter into a marriage covenant, it is no longer about me but we. We lay ourselves on the altar of sacrifice, not to lose ourselves, but to discover a higher purpose together. Our lives become one in mission, one in vision, one in commitment. It is not a fusion of bodies alone, but of hearts, goals, and destinies, rooted in God’s design.

Reflecting on my own marriage, it took us years to truly live out this principle. Being two strong-willed individuals, we struggled to surrender ourselves. We clashed. We misunderstood. There were moments when we truly believed we would not make it. But with prayer, grace, and the divine help of the Holy Spirit, we learnt to listen, to yield, and to compromise. We placed ourselves on the altar and chose unity again and again.

What kept us was not feeling, but covenant. Marriage is not a contract built on conditions, but a covenant built on commitment. God reminded us time and time again that what He joined together, He did not intend to be torn apart.

My hope is that we all reconsider the covenant we made, whether recently or decades ago, and ask God to realign our hearts with His design. May we rediscover the joy, purpose, and power that comes when two truly become one in Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does “becoming one” look like in your marriage today?

2. Are there areas of self that God is asking you to surrender for the sake of unity?

3. How can you and your spouse pray together to strengthen your covenant?

My hope is that we will reclaim a shared mission for our marriages, that we will truly become one in heart, purpose, and vision. May we rely entirely on the Holy One to keep and sustain us, as we walk in love, grace, and unity.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the sacred covenant of marriage. Help us to honour what You have joined together. Teach us to walk in unity, to serve one another with love, and to surrender self for the sake of the whole. Strengthen every marriage represented by those reading this devotional. Where there is division, bring peace. Where there is weariness, restore hope. May our unions reflect Your glory and the beauty of two becoming one under Your divine guidance. AMEN.