7 Prayers to Grow Your MarriageExemplo

From a worldly perspective, we often see the word “love” used to describe something we like or enjoy; something that brings joy or pleasure. What does Scripture say about love? 1 John 4:16 tells us that “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Love is God’s character. Galatians 6 defines love as a fruit that grows in our lives when the Holy Spirit is present and at work.

From these passages, it is clear that love isn’t just a feeling that flows when we are happy and satisfied, it is a reflection of God’s character alive in us; a sign that we have received His love and now share it with others. This is very important in marriage, because our human tendency is to love when we feel loved. It’s counter-cultural and counter to human nature to love first, but it’s the way Jesus loves.

Before we ever knew or loved God, He loved us first. Romans 5:8 says, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”When we were sinners, separated from His glorious presence, with nothing to offer in return, He loved us without reservation, sending Christ to reconcile us to Himself on the cross. As you follow Him, you can invite His Spirit in you to enable you to love as He does.

What does this kind of love look like in marriage? It’s looking to the good of your spouse, regardless of their response. It’s walking in obedience to God’s Word, rather than showing love in proportion to how loved your spouse makes you feel. In marriage, you will become more of the spouse God created you to be when you seek Jesus, and seek to follow Him closely. Today, ask God to help you understand and “abide in” the knowledge of His love.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you and thank you for your incredible love…love that reaches out to redeem and restore sinners. Help me to understand that in a new way today. Help me to love like you have loved me. Help me to love as an obedient response to receiving your love, not depending on the response I get in return.