Project – Biblical Principles of Christian Relationships and Their Impact on Marital Stability: A Study of Selected Christian Married Couples in Surulere, Lagos State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Marriage is one of the oldest and most sacred institutions established by God, serving as the foundation of the family and society. According to Genesis 2:24, marriage is a divine union between a man and a woman, characterized by unity, love, and mutual commitment. Within the Christian context, marriage is not merely a social contract but a covenant relationship ordained by God, governed by biblical principles that guide the behavior and interactions of spouses. These principles include love, respect, submission, forgiveness, patience, faithfulness, and effective communication.

Christian relationships, particularly marital relationships, are expected to reflect the teachings of the Bible and the example of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25–33). Biblical principles emphasize sacrificial love, humility, and selflessness, which are essential for maintaining harmony and stability in marriage. For instance, 1 Corinthians 13 highlights the characteristics of love, such as patience, kindness, and endurance, which are crucial for sustaining marital relationships.

Marital stability refers to the ability of a marriage to endure over time while maintaining harmony, satisfaction, and commitment between spouses. Stable marriages are characterized by emotional intimacy, effective communication, conflict resolution, and mutual support. In contrast, unstable marriages often experience frequent conflicts, dissatisfaction, and, in some cases, separation or divorce. Studies have shown that adherence to shared values and beliefs, including religious principles, plays a significant role in promoting marital stability (Olson & Olson, 2000).

In recent decades, there has been a growing concern about the increasing rate of marital instability and divorce globally and within Nigeria. Despite the strong cultural and religious emphasis on marriage, many couples face challenges such as financial stress, infidelity, poor communication, and lack of commitment. In urban areas like Surulere in Lagos State, the pressures of modern life, including career demands and economic challenges, have further complicated marital relationships.

Christian couples are not exempt from these challenges. Although they are expected to live according to biblical teachings, many struggle to apply these principles in their daily marital interactions. In some cases, there is a gap between knowledge of biblical teachings and their practical application. For example, while couples may be aware of the importance of forgiveness and love, they may find it difficult to practice these virtues during conflicts.

Biblical principles of Christian relationships provide a framework for addressing marital challenges and promoting stability. These principles emphasize the importance of communication (James 1:19), mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), and love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). When properly applied, these principles can strengthen marital bonds, enhance understanding between spouses, and reduce conflicts.

The church also plays a significant role in promoting biblical principles of marriage through premarital counseling, marriage seminars, and pastoral guidance. However, the effectiveness of these interventions depends on the willingness of couples to internalize and practice the teachings. In many cases, couples attend church programs but fail to consistently apply the principles in their relationships.

Furthermore, contemporary influences such as social media, Western cultural values, and changing societal norms have affected marital relationships, sometimes contradicting biblical teachings. These influences may lead to unrealistic expectations, reduced commitment, and increased marital dissatisfaction. As a result, there is a need to re-emphasize the relevance of biblical principles in guiding Christian marriages.

Empirical studies have suggested that religious commitment and the application of biblical teachings are positively associated with marital satisfaction and stability (Mahoney et al., 2001). Similarly, researchers such as Stanley, Markman, and Whitton (2002) have highlighted the importance of commitment, communication, and shared values in sustaining marriages. However, there is limited research focusing specifically on how biblical principles of Christian relationships influence marital stability among couples in specific Nigerian contexts such as Surulere, Lagos State.

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the biblical principles of Christian relationships and their impact on marital stability among selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge of biblical teachings and their practical application in marital relationships.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Marital instability has become an increasing concern in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. Despite the strong emphasis on marriage as a sacred institution within Christianity, many Christian marriages are experiencing challenges that threaten their stability. Issues such as frequent conflicts, lack of communication, infidelity, and emotional disconnect have been reported among Christian couples.

In Surulere, Lagos State, where there is a high concentration of churches and Christian activities, it is expected that biblical principles would strongly influence marital relationships. However, observations indicate that many Christian couples still struggle with maintaining stable and fulfilling marriages. This raises questions about the extent to which biblical principles are understood, internalized, and practiced by these couples.

One of the major problems is the gap between knowledge and application of biblical teachings. Many couples are familiar with scriptural instructions on love, forgiveness, and mutual respect, yet they fail to apply these principles consistently in their daily interactions. This inconsistency often leads to unresolved conflicts and marital dissatisfaction.

Additionally, external factors such as economic pressures, work-related stress, and societal influences further complicate marital relationships. These factors may weaken the commitment of couples to biblical principles and increase the likelihood of marital instability. In some cases, couples may prioritize personal interests over shared values, leading to conflicts and disunity.

Another issue is the limited empirical research on the relationship between biblical principles and marital stability within specific local contexts. While general studies have been conducted on religion and marriage, there is a lack of focused research on Christian couples in Surulere, Lagos State. This gap makes it difficult to develop context-specific interventions to support marital stability.

Furthermore, the role of the church in reinforcing biblical principles may not be fully effective if couples do not actively apply the teachings. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current church-based programs in addressing marital challenges.

Therefore, the problem of this study is to investigate how biblical principles of Christian relationships influence marital stability among selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State, and to determine the extent to which these principles are applied in real-life marital situations.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of biblical principles of Christian relationships on marital stability among selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Identify the key biblical principles guiding Christian relationships among married couples.
2. Assess the level of awareness and understanding of these principles among couples.
3. Examine the extent to which these biblical principles are applied in marital relationships.
4. Determine the influence of biblical principles on marital stability.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the key biblical principles guiding Christian relationships among married couples?
2. What is the level of awareness of these principles among couples?
3. To what extent are these principles applied in marital relationships?
4. How do biblical principles influence marital stability?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between biblical principles of Christian relationships and marital stability among selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between biblical principles of Christian relationships and marital stability among selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways:

• To Christian couples: It provides practical insights into how biblical principles can enhance marital stability.
• To church leaders and counselors: It offers information that can improve marriage counseling and teaching programs.
• To theological institutions: It contributes to knowledge in Christian ethics and family life studies.
• To researchers: It serves as a reference for further studies on religion and marital stability.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on selected Christian married couples in Surulere, Lagos State. It examines biblical principles of relationships and their impact on marital stability. The study is limited to Christian couples and does not include other religious groups.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Biblical Principles: Teachings and guidelines derived from the Bible that govern Christian behavior and relationships.
• Christian Relationships: Interpersonal relationships guided by biblical teachings, particularly within marriage.
• Marital Stability: The ability of a marriage to remain strong, harmonious, and enduring over time.
• Married Couples: Legally and religiously united partners living together as husband and wife.

Project – Biblical Principles of Christian Relationships and Their Impact on Marital Stability: A Study of Selected Christian Married Couples in Surulere, Lagos State