A True Love Story

A True Love Story
One Marriage That Stands the Test of Time

There are so many things we place value on today. Our gorgeous homes, our fast cars, our lengthy lists of accomplishments. And, while these things are truly valuable – in one sense or another – God calls us to treasure our relationships above all else. First, we should place our worth in our relationship with Him. And, then in our relationship with our spouse. This is why I choose on a daily basis not to take my spouse or my marriage for granted.

Over the past 17 years, Iíve learned to hold strong to a few Biblical concepts that have helped me grow deeper in my relationship with my spouse. For instance, Iíve learned that togetherness is way more important than being right or having the last word. And, Iíve learned to cherish the good times – even the little things like our dinner-time conversations, sweet embraces, movie nights and small, fun outings. And, while there has definitely been moments of disrespect and hurt feelings, at the end of the day, and every morning I wake, I choose my spouse all over again. And that, my friends, is a true love story – one that is based on the strong foundation of Godís Word and one that will stand the test of time.

Here are a few more concepts that have helped me build a solid foundation for my marriage:

Forgiveness

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

I recently told a couple friends of ours that one thing Iím so much better at now than those first years is forgiveness. I havenít gotten it all figured out but it just gets easier. Find it in your heart to forgive because He forgave for all that weíve done.

Find and Keep Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

All but two years of our marriage have survived on only one income. Our raising three children and my having a strong desire to be at home meant my spouse working long hours and our family having to say ďnoĒ to many things. But we have each other. We have a healthy family.

Rely on One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

My spouse is my best friend. Heís the first one I turn to when I need advice or encouragement. I truly believe with all my heart that being each otherís closest companion has allowed our relationship to build a trust that is unequivocal.

Pray and Trust Together

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (NIV)

Sharing my pain points and failures with my spouse allows him to encourage me with Godís Word. When we share our inadequacies with our spouse, they can lift us up in prayer. This is the most important part of our marriage journey together. Making God your number one allows you to freely love and serve your spouse even through the tough times.

Pursuing Godís will for my marriage has been a journey. And, although I donít always take the right path, studying His Word has certainly helped me base my marriage on a solid foundation. Where are you in your journey? Do you find it hard to forgive your spouse? Are you relying on each other? Is there something that is separating you from the marriage that God intended for you to have? If so, I invite you to study the Scriptures above and to ask God to guide you in your steps as you learn to grow in both your relationship with Christ Jesus and your spouse.

Want to send a quick, encouraging message to your spouse today? Maybe you need to say ďthank youĒ for that extra errand they ran yesterday or maybe itís just time to remind them that you are praying for your relationship.