Keys To A Godly And Joyful Marriage

Keys to a Godly and Joyful Marriage

Study Text: Proverbs 5:18 - 19

Introduction:

- The keys to a godly and joyful marriage is found in the Bible. When its instructions are obeyed, God will bless the union.

- Always remember that God, our Heavenly Father, is the designer and originator of marriage. He is the One who has established this institution for the entire human race.

- Our Lord Himself graced the occasion by His presence at the wedding in Cana of Galilee (Luke 2).

- Marriage is a serious business, which must not be entered into “unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God.

- Marriage is duly considered as the union of two lives, and the fusion of two hearts. It involves a social union, a domestic union, a physical union and a spiritual union.

- The path of true love never runs smoothly. We must realise that there is no perfect marriage because two imperfect people, with personality defects, sinners saved by grace, are living under the same roof not just for some years but until death separates them.

- Hence in marriage there is a daily process of accommodating each other, and a daily process of keeping up and making up.

God intends Marriage to be enjoyed and not to be endured by the couple. Even though two imperfect persons are living together, yet with Christ in the centre of their hearts and home, there can be peace and harmony that is difficult to explain or understand. The following are some of the keys to a Godly and Joyful Marriage:

1. The Spirit of Forgiveness

- A forgiving spirit is an important key in the marriage relationship because we are commanded by God to forgive others.

- Also, because of the example of Jesus on the Cross, and our own experience of the forgiveness of God in our relationship with Him, there is no limit to God’s forgiveness and so in our dealings with each other, there must be no limit to forgiveness.

- Effect an early reconciliation in any misunderstanding or quarrel. In such case, always remember that because we are human, seldom is husband or wife completely right or wrong. A forgiving spirit is, therefore, necessary on both sides to resolve any conflict. It requires a spirit of humility, of loving submission to each other and together submitting to the Lord.

2. Spiritual Compatibility:

- How can two walk together if they are not compatible spiritually (Amos 3:3; 2 Cor 6:14).

- Many marriages have been dissolved because this important injunction has not been obeyed. It is in accordance with the Word of God and His will to marry in the Lord. This is the most important key for a godly and successful marriage.

3. The Leaving and the Cleaving:

- Establish your own home as soon as possible because marriage involves a “leaving and cleaving” (Genesis 2:24).

- No matter how nice and understanding your in-laws may be, “familiarity breeds contempt”. Even with the best of intentions on both parties for their mutual welfare, they can sometimes be misconstrued as unnecessary interference.

- You should also endeavour to keep certain family matters private and within the confines of your newly established home.

4. Commitment to Spiritual Growth.

- One key evidence of a successful marriage is that the marriage makes you to get closer to God than when you are single.

- Encourage each other in your walk with the Lord for mutual edification, keeping in close communion with Him through the reading of His Word and through prayer and fellowship with others of the household of faith.

- By so doing, you will grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3: 18).

- Set your priorities right. Give God first place in your life; first place with your time; first place with your talents; and first place with your treasure.

- When you seek God first in anything pertaining to His kingdom and righteousness, all that you need will be provided for. When you so honour Him, He will honour you. Matthew 6:33

5. Wholehearted Trust

- A healthy marriage cannot be built and sustained without trust. Trust toward one another is vital. Marital trust has three basic levels. Each of these levels is weighted in importance.

The first level is that of fidelity. A married person must be able to trust that his or her spouse will remain faithful in the marriage. God placed such an importance on this area of trust in marriage that He made not committing adultery one of the Ten Commandments.

- The second level of trust is that of honesty. A husband or wife should be able to trust that his or her partner will be honest. A spouse must be honest about who they are, what they’re feeling and thinking, and about their successes and failures. There should be no hiding from one another. They should be able to trust each other to tell the truth.