Online Reporter
Laina Makuzha
LOVE by DESIGN
Marriage. A word so familiar, yet often misunderstood in its depth and divine purpose. Too many couples today seem to believe that the wedding day is the finish line, when in truth it is only the starting point of a lifelong journey.
The vows exchanged are not mere poetry; they are covenant promises before God, binding two souls into one. Yet cracks often appear when individuals carry unresolved baggage, unfinished business, or lingering entanglements into their union.
Recent reports say Zimbabwe experienced nearly 4 000 divorce cases in 2025, 3 989 to be exact, marking a 27 percent increase from the 3 138 cases recorded at the High Court in 2024.
Though I may not know what caused these particular marriage breakdowns, couples must be aware that there is opposition prowling in the shadows, waiting for cracks to appear.
The enemy thrives on secrecy, unresolved wounds, and divided loyalties. When partners fail to deal with past traumas, or when they allow overlaps with old relationships, they open doors for destruction. A shaky foundation cannot withstand storms.
We have seen how some weddings have become mere shows for audiences to enjoy, while the couples themselves are not necessarily in it for the long haul. Lavish displays, drama and creative story telling are more common now than ever before, and too often the end is not always as happy.
Some couples planning to wed, tend to fall in the trap of comparing themselves to other couples or pressurising themselves to move with modern wedding trends even when they cannot afford it.
They go into trouble to keep up appearances. The question one might ask perhaps is: Why do people get married? The answer is not convenience, nor societal pressure, nor fleeting passion. Marriage is God’s design for companionship, for building families, for reflecting His love. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour.” And Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:9, counsels: “It is better to marry than to burn with lust.”
Marriage is not outdated, nor old-fashioned – it is timeless, sacred, and essential for the stability of families and communities.
To be fair to your spouse, you might need to be bold enough to say goodbye to every other prospect. Confidence in your choice is not arrogance – it is loyalty, you make a choice to be with someone for life, and you should be able and willing to stand by your decision. Those who have walked the path before must also ensure proper closure from previous covenants or entanglements. Half-hearted commitments breed regret, but wholehearted devotion builds security.
Building a sure foundation
Here are some thoughts on what a strong marriage foundation might look like, see how you fair and what your thoughts are:
Transparency: No secrets, no hidden agendas.
Healing: Past traumas acknowledged and addressed, not ignored.
Closure: Old ties severed, new loyalty embraced.
Faith: A shared commitment to God as the centre.
Unity: Decisions made together, dreams pursued together.
When couples embrace these pillars, I reckon they create a fortress against opposition. Reminds me of an old classic “Solid”(as a rock) by Ashford and Simpson. With love in the air in the month of February, I hope couples continue to build on their love to be “solid as a rock”.
Tips to sever old entanglements and move forward
Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back when God had called her forward (Genesis 19:26). The lesson is clear: once you have chosen to move forward, do not look back. Here are five practical ways to sever old ties:
Delete lingering contacts – Remove phone numbers, social media connections, and digital traces of past relationships.
Close emotional doors – Stop rehearsing old conversations or comparing your spouse to past partners.
Seek forgiveness and closure – Where possible, apologise or forgive, then release the past. Replace old habits with new ones – Invest time in building fresh memories with your spouse.
Anchor yourself in Scripture and prayer – Let God’s Word remind you daily of your covenant.
Marriage Is still Relevant
In society today, cohabiting is often seen as the “modern choice.” Yet cohabitation lacks the covenantal weight of marriage. It is fragile, conditional, and often temporary. It leaves room for change of mind, which unfortunately, some take advantage of and do not have the energy to work on building a strong bond. Marriage, on the other hand, is a divine institution that builds families, strengthens communities, and provides stability in perilous times.
I was reminded of this truth during my recent visit to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Harare Temple Open House this week, where members of the public are invited to tour the newly built Temple, learn about it, experience its beauty and ask any questions they may have about it.
The emphasis on relationship with God, family peace, and unity was profoundly inspiring. It was a living testimony that marriage and family are central to God’s plan. The temple radiated the message that harmony in homes is not only possible, but necessary for spiritual growth and societal healing.
A call to men and women
To the men: reflect deeply on your ways. Are you leading with love, humility, and faithfulness? Are you protecting your marriage from cracks by being transparent and loyal? True strength is not in dominance, but in sacrificial love.
To the women: examine your energy. Are you redirecting it toward building a lifetime of happiness, or wasting it on regrets and comparisons? A wise woman builds her house (Proverbs 14:1), and your words, actions, and prayers can either strengthen or weaken the foundation.
Marriage is not a waste of time. It is not outdated. It is God’s timeless design for companionship, family, and legacy. When couples choose to heal, to close old doors, and to build on a sure foundation, they rediscover the joy of covenant love.
So let us celebrate marriage — not as a burden, but as a blessing. Let us guard it fiercely, nurture it tenderly, and honour it faithfully.
I invite you to share your insights, reflections, experiences and testimonies in the comments section, or via WhatsApp/SMS on +263719102572. You can also connect with me on Facebook: Naledi Laina Makuzha.
