Key Bible Verse: Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife (Proverbs 5:15). Bonus Reading:Proverbs 5:16–23

Many look at duty-bound marriages and ask, "What difference can a piece of paper make?" A great deal. Written statements clarify and confirm commitments. I'd have doubts about a bank teller who told me, "We don't do deposit slips. Just give me your money."

The problem isn't that people who cohabit don't care for one another. It's that casual or partial commitment radically changes the relationship.

When we rented, some repairs were needed. But my interest was short-term, so I withheld my money and energy. Since we bought our new home, however, my attitude has completely changed. Because it's ours, I give careful, quick attention to problems.

One young man boasted of the freedom of his live-in arrangement: "We don't need marriage. We're together because of genuine love, not a marriage license."

"Suppose you had an accident and were paralyzed for life?" I asked. "Would you expect her to stay? And what if it happened to her? How long would you be there when it wasn't fun anymore?" His silence was eloquent. Counterfeit covenants always delete the hard parts. They're designed for summer, not winter.

My Response: Is my relationship covenantal? Am I investing in it for the long haul?

Thought to Apply: One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he … with you, it keeps you together until you fall in again.