Easter And Marriage

All around us we see examples of good and bad in communication, conflict resolution, and how to accept the differences of others. What is around us can influence us, but we in the Church know that in many marriages the greatest influencer is missing and that is Jesus and the standards set in His word “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

God’s plan for marriage is to mirror His image (Genesis 1:26-27) so that it glorifies Him. For marriage to show the relationship of Jesus to the church and the fullness of who He is in a world that seems to be increasingly trying to eradicate God’s word. His Word gives us an incredible example of what that should look like through the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus.

The Easter story that is reflected on and meditated on in this season–it’s a story of His betrayal, sacrifice, the Resurrection and then His Ascension. All of this radically changed mankind’s, our, relationship with our Creator God.

Some might ask, does this have anything to do with our marriage? The answer is a simple YES.

Scripture shows us the life that Jesus lived here on earth, with everyone he interacted with He had a relationship. His life shows us how we should relate to others, particularly within marriage and family.

• Within the Easter story, Jesus shows love even when He wasn’t being loved by others. He loved those who were eventually responsible for His death on the cross. In marriage, husband and wife, in all circumstances, need to show love to each other. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8 NKJV)
• In life, how easily do we truly forgive, particularly where we judge that forgiveness is not deserved? Moments before His death, Jesus cried out to the Father for the people that put Him there “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.””(Luke 23:34 NKJV) When we endure suffering, no matter how large or small, within marriage we need to initiate forgiveness towards our spouse.
• In scripture, we are commanded to serve one another, and these commands do not exclude a husband serving his wife or vice versa. A notable verse is Galatians 5:13-14, which urges us to “…Constantly love each other and be committed to serve one another. For all the law can be summarized in one grand statement: “Demonstrate love to your neighbor, even as you care for and love yourself.” (TPT). 1 Peter 4:10 talks of using our gifts to serve others), and Galatians 6:2 of carrying each other’s burdens/troubles. In the Gospel of Mark it is recorded that Jesus said to the ten “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  (Mark 10:45 NKJV) At the last supper Jesus undertook the act of service of washing the disciples’ feet.
• Easter shows us, amongst other things, that if God can resurrect Jesus from death, then He can resurrect dead marriages.
• Spouses should love each other as Christ loves them.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.””

Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)