For this reason a person shall leave father and mother and be united to his partner and the two shall become one flesh. (Ephesians 5: 31)

In spiritual arithmetic, one plus one equals one. Certainly this does not mean that an individual will lose his or her identity if they were to become involved in a covenant relationship, but the two shall become one in focus, in long-range aim and in holy destiny. Long term relationships are easy to spot if they are true. The couple usually picks up identical mannerisms and facial expressions.

In the broader sense of Scriptural context, the concept of the two becoming one is not a competitive situation, but a one-ness of mind concerning the things that really matter. No one is ever expected to give up their identity or compete for control. It simply means they are working together for common goals in a cooperative spirit.

To equate a relationship as becoming “one” would infer that there are two “half” individuals coming together to create one individual. Two individuals come together in one relationship with common aims and ideals. God never stated nor intended that personal identity would be the price paid for a loving, long-term relationship.

God of wholeness, bless the relationships of those around us and guide the goals of those into a one-ness of spirit!