Pleasing God In Marriage
Embracing a Life of Holiness in Marriage
A few years ago, I found myself on a spiritual journey, exploring what it truly means to live a life that pleases God. I dove into Scriptures, meditating on the verses that spoke directly about pleasing Him. It was a time of deep reflection and growth for me. Recently, a thought crossed my mind: What does a marriage focused on pleasing the Lord look like?
Romans 12:1 beautifully encapsulates the essence of a life dedicated to God: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
Holiness is paramount in our walk with God. Too often, Christian marriages resemble non-Christian ones, lacking the distinctiveness that should set us apart. In ancient times, God’s people were recognizable by their adherence to the Law, which governed their lives and interactions, making them attractive to others. If you were to honestly evaluate your marriage, would you characterize it as holy? A marriage marked by holiness stands out, drawing others to the beauty of a life lived for God.
Bearing Fruit Through a Christ-Centered Marriage
Colossians 1:10 provides further insight: “Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”
A fruitful marriage is one where the Spirit’s work is evident, fostering growth and maturity in the image of Jesus. This transformation begins within our marriages, as we strive to reflect God’s love and character to our spouse. If we cannot image God to our spouse, how can we expect to display Him to others? Our marriages should be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love, producing good fruit that glorifies Him.
The Power of Truthful Communication
Communication is a cornerstone of any healthy marriage. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” Ephesians 4:25 echoes this sentiment: “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.”
Communication is not limited to words alone; it encompasses our actions and behaviors. It’s virtually impossible to not communicate–everything we do is communication. Everything we do communicates something to our spouse. Truthful communication is a reflection of our relationship with God. While those who don’t know Jesus may be accustomed to deceit, Christians are called to a higher standard. A marriage characterized by truth-telling pleases God and invites His blessings.
Living with Purpose to Please God
Living a life that pleases God requires intentionality and purpose. It’s a conscious decision we make daily in every aspect of our lives, including our marriages. By focusing on these principles, we can cultivate marriages that not only please God but also shine as beacons of His love and grace to the world. When we strive to please God, He delights in us, blesses our lives, and approves our actions. There’s no greater joy than knowing we are in right standing with the living God, awaiting the day we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Conversation Starters
To foster deeper connections and reflections, here are some conversation starters for you and your spouse:
- How can we incorporate more holiness into our daily lives and marriage?
- In what ways can we bear more fruit and reflect Christ’s love to each other and those around us?
- Are there areas in our communication where we can improve in truthfulness and transparency?
- What practical steps can we take to live with more intentionality and purpose to please God?
- How do we feel knowing that our marriage can be a testimony to others about God’s love and faithfulness?
tl;dr
- Holiness in Marriage: Reflect on Romans 12:1 and evaluate if your marriage embodies holiness, setting it apart as a testament to God.
- Fruitfulness in Marriage: Colossians 1:10 emphasizes growing and maturing in Christ, starting within our marriage, to reflect God’s love and produce good fruit.
- Truthful Communication: Proverbs 12:22 and Ephesians 4:25 highlight the importance of truth-telling in marriage, mirroring our relationship with God.
- Living with Purpose: Pleasing God requires intentional, purposeful living. Strive daily to align your actions and marriage with God’s will.
