Marriage can be the most beautiful and challenging season of life. It forces you to leave behind pride and selfishness and encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Something I’ve learned and internalized during the short time I’ve been married is that marriage is more than mutual companionship. It’s a divine institution designed for a great mission: modeling the love of Christ. That’s no easy task, especially for two sinners! And that’s why I can’t phantom doing marriage without Jesus at the center!
The mission of marriage
In Genesis 2:18, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone and created a helper and suitable partner for him. They were to be there for the other for good or bad, encouraging and keeping each other accountable. Sadly, the first marriage, however, exemplifies how letting sin into your union will make you quickly turn against each other. After sinning, Adam and Eve didn’t hesitate to point fingers at the other, temptation, and eventually God himself!
A godly marriage reflects Christ and the Church –Ephesians 5:25-32, exemplifying love, sacrifice, and unity. How can your marriage reflect Christ’s love to the world?
Unity in Christ
True unity in marriage is more than just about complicity; it’s also about a shared mission in Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Marriages who align their goals with God’s mission stand stronger against challenges. Have you and your spouse ever talked about your mission as a couple? If not, now is the time to do so 😊
A lifelong ministry
One of the ways to keep your unity strong is to have a ministry together. When a couple commits to serving God together, their relationship becomes a ministry that shines His light in their community, their church, and everywhere they go. Serving God together will not only strengthen the bond in your marriage, but it will also leave an everlasting impact for good on those around you. Think about the interests you have in common. In what ways can you and your spouse serve together in ministry?– Joshua 24:15
Communication and Forgiveness
Keep your slate clean! One of the worst things you can do for your marriage is to leave things unsaid and accumulate resentment. Just as you want to strive to “settle accounts” with God at the end of each day to keep your relationship strong with Him, you also want to do so with your spouse. Never going to bed mad or uncomfortable with each other will improve your quality of life! Spiritual warfare is no joke, and couples can stand firm against attacks by staying prayerful –1 Peter 5:8. Accountability, open communication, and a forgiving spirit are crucial for overcoming obstacles –Proverbs 27:17. Are you and your spouse content with your current communication style and forgiving practices?
Spiritual encouragement
One of the most beautiful things about marriage is the ability to encourage each other. Encouragement hits differently when it comes from the person who knows you inside and out and witnesses your everyday wins and struggles. Spouses who pray and dive into Scripture together are better equipped to spiritually strengthen and uplift each other. How can you encourage your spouse in their spiritual walk?
My prayer for your marriage today is that you walk hand in hand with Jesus daily and live holy, fulfilling lives that uplift God and each other.