In all kinds of love, there are the acts of giving and receiving; however, in true love there is always more giving than receiving. For example, Jesus’ love for humans is proven when he was willing to be nailed on the cross. He did not abandon mankind, but instead sacrificed everything. In the Catholic marriage, Jesus is present in the bond between the two individuals; this does not mean that there will not be any conflicts or strains in the marriage, but it means that Jesus will be present in their lives to strengthen, encourage, and remind the two of selflessness and sacrifice.
Marriage is a bond of trust as two people promise to live life together, through every crisis and difficulty; it is a promise “to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” The couple shares their joys, cares, pains, together and support one another. Sacramental marriage should meld the two lives into one new life.