We’re passionate here at House on the Rock about helping couples see how the Word of God speaks to marriages. As we’ve been reflecting on Easter, and the greatest act of love ever demonstrated to mankind, we saw several practical marriage lessons in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Sacrificial giving is foundational to building a Godly marriage
Paul’s mandate to husbands in Ephesians 5:25 is to: “… love your wives like Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” That reference to “giving Himself up” is to Jesus’ crucifixion … the ultimate expression of sacrificial love. Jesus was willing to put His desires second to His Father’s in order to meet our need for forgiveness and reconciliation. His prayer was “not my will … but Thy will be done.” Too often the mindset in our marriage is: “My will be done at the expense of yours …”
Are you willing to put your will second to the needs of your spouse? To sacrifice your time and energy for the sake of your mate? If yes, that’s a good start …
No marriage is too far gone …
The divine purpose of Jesus’s death and resurrection was to reconcile man to God … to mend a shattered relationship. No marriage is so broken … so far gone that God is not willing and able to restore it. The same authority that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power that can resurrect a “dead” marriage.
We start by asking God to forgive us. Then we go to seek forgiveness from our spouses. We must also be ready to grant forgiveness to our spouses when they come to us. It’s through this process that the pathway to the marriage God wants us to enjoy is cleared of debris!
God can use the struggles in your marriage to not only create something even more beautiful and enduring than you could ever imagine; but to encourage and inspire other couples to pursue God’s love and forgiveness too.
As you celebrate Easter this year, take some time to reflect on its meaning for your marriage. Allow the wonderful and powerful spiritual truths of Easter breathe new life into your relationship, and your bond will be stronger for it.
