Love After Marriage- a Journey Into Deeper Spiritual, Emotional & Sexual OnenessSample

Day 1: Nothing Hidden

“Truthfulness and honesty need to be some of the highest values in my life. If I am not honest with myself, I won’t be able to be honest with others. If I am not truthful with others, I will end up deceiving myself.” It was during a morning chapel service in high school that these thoughts came to me (Barry). I had no idea at the time how far reaching those words would be. I didn’t recognize God’s voice at the time, but looking back, I know that it was God speaking.

In the New Testament, the original word translated as “truth” is derived from two Greek words meaning “not hidden” or “not concealed.” And so, the biblical idea of truth goes much further than merely lying. If you are going to relate to your spouse in truth, you won’t be able to hide or conceal any information that would significantly impact the relationship. As a couple, if you respond out of fear and keep important information inside in an attempt to avoid your spouse’s disapproval, you will create an environment that stifles your ability to know and truly see each other. If you wait to be caught before telling the truth, you are not operating in the truth. If you exaggerate or minimize to cause your spouse to get a different picture than the reality, you are not operating in the truth. But when you risk being open and honest, despite potential conflict, you may have some challenges to work through, but it is the only way to experience genuine freedom and security in a relationship. John 8:32 says, “And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” The truth will always bring freedom when both husband and wife are fully submitted to bringing God’s truth and love into the marriage!

Ponder & Pray: Lord, please show me any ways in my marriage that I avoid being truthful. Pray and ask the Lord to make you a person who trusts God and lives in His truth and love.

Activity: Share the best thing that happened to you today.