Christians Especially: What Has Happened to “For Better or For Worst, til Death do Us Part?” (Part 1)

Recently, a dear friend and I were having a conversation about marriage, particularly of those in the church. We expressed sadness and disappointment regarding a number of marriages of other Christian friends or family who have divorced or are in the process of divorce. As we talked, we both acknowledged that marriage isn’t always easy and agreed that marriages go through seasons.

Seasons meaning that there are times when married life is like fall, winter, spring, and summer. Depending on what you are accustomed to, one or two of those seasons are not fun to you and you cannot wait until they pass. The fact of the matter is that the season does pass. The older you get, the better you become at handling the season you don’t like that much.

My friend and I talked about how important it is for couples to learn how to walk through the rough seasons of marriage (which are usually growth opportunities). We both exclaimed how appreciative we are of being in relationship with the Lord. His Presence in our lives keeps our marriages stimulating, alive, loving and godly.

My friend, Joyce Linyear, has been the only wife to her husband Dwight, for over 30 years! These are two faithful people. Their commitment to God and His way of living and being and doing, to the ministry, to their marriage, and their love for each other and family and friends, is a model for many!

My spiritual dad, Dr. Zin White, and his wife, Irma, have been married almost 50 years! To this day, they are partners in business and in ministry and companions who continue to learn a little more about one another as each year passes. They have a testimony about what it means to truly stick with each other, no matter what the circumstance.

These couples have deep and continually growing relationships with Almighty God that directs the course of their marriages including their love life with each other.

Faith in God, the love of God, and being led by the Holy Spirit are the main spiritual ingredients in a Christian marriage. Love for each other, of course, is absolutely essential.

However, love, God’s love, is a choice. It takes each person to choose daily to walk in the Spirit (versus the flesh-the part of our humanity not interested in God's ways), to speak and act with love and to but your hope and trust in God (this is faith) when the relationship is challenged.

It is very important to show affection to one another, with kindness, no matter what. And at all costs, avoid the tricks of the enemy set up to get you to turn your affections toward someone else! His aim is to divide and conquer… to kill, steal and destroy!

But God has given us everything we need to live this life and to live it in a godly way! Your marriage can last like these two marriages, if you choose to make it work. Seek godly counsel to help you work through troubling issues.

God is for your marriage… to Him, it is like Christ and His church!

©2008 Rosalind Stanley
BECAUSE OF GRACE
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