In his message, Stephen emphasizes that love is the foundation of marriage, drawing parallels between human relationships and the divine union between Christ and the Church. He references Ephesians 5, highlighting the roles of husbands and wives, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, and wives are to submit to their husbands. Stephen explains that true love is a transformative process, moving from self-centered affection to a selfless, divine love. He uses the Song of Songs to illustrate the journey of love, where the Virgin's love matures from selfishness to a Christ-centered devotion. Stephen outlines practical expressions of love in marriage, including understanding, completion rather than competition, courtesy, giving rather than receiving, bearing with one another, covering faults, maintaining hope, and unwavering faithfulness. He concludes with a prayer, asking for God's blessing on marriages, that they may reflect the eternal union of Christ and His Church.

Outline of Main Points

Introduction to the concept of love in marriage
Roles of husbands and wives according to Ephesians 5
The transformative nature of love
Illustration from the Song of Songs
Practical expressions of love in marriage:

Understanding
Completion, not competition
Courtesy
Giving, not getting
Bearing with one another
Covering faults
Maintaining hope
Faithfulness

Conclusion and prayer for marriages

Love Story

Love Story