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hen we first get married, everything seems perfect. It seems as if the love that we share will sustain us. It seems as if we will be able to work through any argument with ease, that the butterflies will never fade, and our spouse will never be able to let us down.
If you’ve been married any length of time, you know that this just isn’t the case. Marriage is wonderful and beautiful, but that beauty takes work. To have an intimate marriage that reflects the love of Jesus, we have to deal with our own sin, fiercely fight for unity, and choose our spouse above ourselves daily.
It’s when the infatuation has faded, in the more difficult times, or in the mundane times of marriage that we need to be reminded of God’s truth.
- Mark 10:9
- 2 Corinthians 9:6
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
- John 15:12
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Culture tells us that if we have to marry the ‘right’ person to be happy. And if we don’t, we can just divorce and try again. While this may be the culture’s mentality, God says that as soon as we said “I do” we married the ‘right’ person. It’s at that point that we have a responsibility to cultivate and grow our marriage.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Whatever we put into our marriage is what we will get out of it. Having a marriage that is defined by joy, grace, and love is completely up to us. It’s a choice.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Marriage requires humility and a sincere desire to care for the other person. Selfishness is faulty security and only creates bitterness and division. Our hearts must be focused on the unity of our marriage.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
How did Jesus love? His love was sacrificial and His heart reflected a servant’s heart. This is exactly what we are called to with our spouses. Not that we will be perfect, but we need to keep aligning our hearts with Jesus, deeply desiring to serve our spouse in a sacrificial way.
These may be simple truths, but they’re utterly profound just the same. It’s through embracing these truths that we can have a marriage that will last “til death do us part”. When we cling to these truths, not only does our commitment deepen, but we get to experience joy, richness, and deep connection.
Do you want a committed, God-honoring marriage? Are you ready to take the next step in choosing to commit to these truths? If so, check out Radiant Marriage Academy, a 16-lesson experience designed to help you set your marriage on a solid biblical foundation.
Which of these ring true for your marriage or which ones might need some attention? There is no shame in needing to grow. No matter where your marriage is, there is always room to improve and grow closer to your spouse. Share your thoughts in the comments–we’d love to hear from you!
