Because we have earthly models of fathers and sons, it is often easier to identify with and rely upon God the Father and Jesus. It is harder to identify with a spirit. Yet, in marriage we can’t afford to miss out on the powerful ministry that the Holy Spirit offers.

Ministry of the Holy Spirit

As the Holy Spirit enters our lives, He does a number of works to produce a living fellowship between God and us. Of course, these works also affect the relationships we have with others around us, particularly our spouses and our children. Here are some of the works of the Holy Spirit that strongly impact our relationships:

• Gives us power to be Christ-like (Ephesians 3:16)

• Directs our lives on a daily basis (Romans 8:14)

• Convicts us of sin (John 16:8)

• Empowers us to fight sin in our lives (Galatians 5:15-16)

• Causes our marriages to glorify Christ (John 16:14)

• Helps us produce the “fruit” of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

When we yield to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our marriages will lift up Christ and make Him known by our words and deeds.

Call on the Power of the Holy Spirit in Your Marriage

Raising kids, making a living and facing trials such as infertility – all of these make it hard for couples to maintain a strong marriage today. Stress leads to tension and our sinful human nature comes out. We need power that is beyond us to overcome our sinful tendencies. God provides this power through the person of the Holy Spirit.

Isn’t it time you relied on the Holy Spirit to help you succeed in your marriage? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, consider these four steps – they can lead your marriage toward a renewed sense of oneness:

1. Ask God to teach you these insights concerning His Holy Spirit;

 

2. Believe that God loves you and that He desires to walk with you in oneness through the power of the Holy Spirit;

 

3. Confess to God your utter dependency on the Holy Spirit for power. If there is any known sin in your life, confess it by agreeing with God that it is sin and is displeasing to Him;

 

4. Draw upon God’s power by faith and obedience. Begin walking by the Spirit in your marriage: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).