Articles
Being Godly in Your Marriage
How does your partner like to be cherished? When was the last time you put their needs or wants before yours--even if it meant going out of your way to do so? When was the last time you told or showed them you loved them? How often do you look into their eye and remind them why you fell in love with them and encourage them?
These are all questions to think of when making any long-term relationship a lasting one. God tells us to treat each other in such a manner because what He has joined shouldn't be separated (Matthew 10:8; Ephesians 5:22-33).
When God has joined two people together in the union of marriage, they become as strong as their mutual love and longing for God (Malachi 2:10-16). We are not only supposed to love our spouse as Christ loved the church, but we are also supposed to love their soul and their relationship to God with such vigor. As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We must look after the actions of our spouse and encourage them to remember Jesus’s teachings. Whether it is helping them with their anger, speaking before thinking, crude humor, or anything else (Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Corinthians 12:20).
As we go throughout this week, let us consider and reflect upon our spiritual growth between us, our partners, and God. When was the last time you both prayed or praised God together? How can you begin make such actions routine? When was the last time you encouraged or helped others together? Have you encouraged your partner lately to use their gifts for good works? What can you both do together to grow and show your mutual love for the Lord?
For those that are parents, similar reflections can also be used to nurture both your own relationships with them as well as their faith in God (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 6:4; Psalm 103:17). The same goes for children to their parents (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20; Philippians 2:14). When was the last time you told your child you were proud of them? Have you tried to spend quality time with your child this week? What is one thing you can do to show respect or love to your parents? What is one thing this week that can be done to lighten their burdens? What can you both do for others? Is there encouragement that can be given to guide each other towards good works for the Lord?
