Marriage: God's Design - Unity

Marriage: God's Design - Unity

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Today's Scripture

“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’" (Matthew 19:4-5 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

God's design for marriage is for spiritual and physical unity.

Spiritual unity can come only from the joining of a man and woman who both belong to Christ. This forms a bond like no other. Both put Jesus first. Both look to the Bible for answers. Do they make mistakes? Of course. But they can seek God's forgiveness, seek their spouse's forgiveness, and move on. They can encourage and help each other in their Christian walk. Together they can pray for each other and their family.
 
This kind of unity is described in Ephesians 5:22-32. It is meant to model Christ and the Church.
 
As discussed yesterday, the physical unity in marriage is designed for marriage alone. Unfaithfulness destroys that unity. The physical part of marriage is always best when each of the marriage partners is more concerned about the other's pleasure. When it's an unselfish union.

Consider this …

As husband and wife, you will not always agree with each other, but if you are walking in unity, you will be able to discuss the issues and pray about them. To respect each other's opinions and together to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:22-32 is a wonderful guide to help married couples develop the kind of unity God planned for marriage. Wives respecting their husbands and submitting to them as the Church submits to Christ. Husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the Church. Submitting to each other out of reverence for Christ. 

Prayer

Father, help us walk in unity in our marriage. Help us to respect each other and love each other through all life's challenges. In Jesus' name . . .
 

These thoughts were drawn from …



Committed Couples: God's Plan for Marriage & the Family
by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. Whether in a private or group setting, couples will be encouraged spiritually and romantically as they research biblical principles that affirm their vows. This book can help every married couple grow spiritually and emotionally in their relationship. It is also a great help for engaged-to-be-married couples.


We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!


Living Free Facebook Community

Visit us on Facebook!


©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org