Building a Biblically Functioning Marriage
Some decades ago, while attending a pastor’s conference, a keynote speaker declared a phrase that would forever transform my ministry and marriage. While unearthing the primary point of his talk, he announced, “If you want to lead a healthy, growing, and flourishing church, build a biblically functioning church.”
He went on to remind his audience that when God unearths in His Word a blueprint for anything and that design is followed, that thing will be healthy, growing, and flourishing.
The idea he’d revealed landed deep in my heart. But not only did the idea of leading a biblically functioning church pierce me, but building a biblically functioning marriage entrenched itself in my heart even more deeply.
God has given us a blueprint for marriage that, when utilized, will aid every marriage in being all God intended that marriage to be.
Creating a biblically functioning marriage is the key to living in a God-honoring, flourishing marriage.
Five of the many biblical principles or practices that create a strong marriage are as follows:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26 – 27)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
(Ephesians 4:2)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 )
If you build a biblically functioning marriage, it won’t be perfect, but it will be on the path to being God-honoring and ultimately be healthy, growing, and flourishing.
