God’s Solution – The Faith Relationship

The faith relationship is opposite of the performance relationship in two significant ways. First, it is not natural at all – it is supernatural. You will only learn about this kind of relationship from God through His Word. Second, the faith relationship does not focus on the human performance of one’s spouse but on God’s character, promises, and faithfulness.

This kind of relationship involves God as the Guarantor of the marriage with the specifics of the guarantee found in Scripture. It's long-term hope based on God’s character and faithfulness. We know He is good and loves us. His guidance that led us to marry a certain person becomes more important than the initial human attraction that brought us together.  You begin to focus more on Him and His Word, rather than your spouse and his or her failure to perform to your expectations.

When considering the faith relationship, one question that often comes up is, “can God fulfill my needs in this marriage despite my spouse’s weaknesses?” The answer is yes! If God can meet your needs anyway, then your spouse’s weaknesses no longer limit you. This fact frees husbands and wives to love one another unconditionally as they thank God for His gracious provision.

Christ set the example for the faith relationship in 1 Peter 2:21-25.  Rather than focus on the failure and weakness of those who unjustly wronged Him, He focused on God and His promises.  In 1 Peter 2:23 we read, “but (Jesus) kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” Jesus believed in God’s sovereign plan more than His desire to abandon the cross, more than His disappointment over Peter’s denials, and more than His desire for His persecutors to receive instant justice.

Christ based His relationships on faith in God rather than the performance of man.  Think about how Christ responded to the failures of others on the cross.  Could there be a better example for husbands and wives to model in their own marriage?

© 2003 Christian Family Life

FREE - Would you like encouragement for your marriage?  Click here  to enjoy the Two Becoming One email devotional.  Receive a weekly email with principles and scriptures that will improve your marriage.

Two Becoming One  publications and small group resources help couples understand God's purposes, principles and provisions for marriage.  Many key concepts in Two Becoming One are taught in the popular FamilyLife Ministry marriage seminars.


If God created marriage, can He make it work?   Click here to purchase Two Becoming One, by Don and Sally Meredith.  You'll learn the five reasons why marriages fail, how to overcome trials and much more.  (A workbook for small groups or self study is also available.)