I’ve seen so many marriages crumble, I believe in part because we’ve forsaken obedience and flipped it to doing “what feels right” or makes us happy. But Jesus never said, “Come find the next party.” He said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, ESV). And, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25, ESV).
Healthy relationships require obedience and commitment even when–especially when–it’s hard. As Christians, our word should be certain. People should know with us a promise made is a promise kept. Not only when it’s convenient, or when we get something out of it, but when everything in us wants to run the other way. Why? Because we belong to a holy, faithful, promise-keeping God and our actions are to reflect Him.
Psalm 15:1-4 reveals what a life centered in Christ looks like. It reads:
1 Who may worship in Your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on Your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
We can keep our promises. We can hold tight to our marriage*, and we can foster increased intimacy, one step and prayer at a time.
*Note: This does not refer to abuse situations. If you are a victim of abuse, seek help.
Visit Jennifer's devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud, HERE.
Make sure to sign up for Jennifer's free quarterly e-mailing, which releases soon. Each edition contains a short devotional, fictional excerpt, recipe, and more. You can sign up HERE. As an added bonus, all subscribers receive a free 36-lesson Bible study (in ebook form, link to download sent separately) on 1 Timothy. She also invites you to visit her blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
Additional Resources:
Defusing Conflict in Your Marriage
Christ, the Church, and Marriage
What Submission Looks Like in Modern Marriage
Wholly Loved's Bible reading plan, 20 Days of Relational Health:
Our hearts crave deep, lasting connections–to know we are loved and belong. This Bible reading plan will help you grow in your relationships as you learn to love others well, speak and live in truth, and set the healthy boundaries that will allow your relationships to thrive.
Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.
As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she’s passionate about helping women experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
