“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).
What is the essential ingredient to a long-lasting relationship?
It’s no other than allowing Jesus Christ to be always at the center of any relationship, particularly in marriage. Consequently, the couple will produce the spirit of meekness, patience, love, mercy and forgiveness and most of all, constantly aim for a peaceful relationship.
Let’s put it clearly this way: we were all born with different parents, upbringing, culture, faith or beliefs, educational background, level of maturity and so forth.
But with God at the center of every marriage, that peace from above dwells in the hearts of every couple who believes and trusts in Jesus Christ.
But, if you’re not 100 percent certain about having such a gift and you think it’s His perfect will for you to be single forever, then do not force yourself into marriage or to get into any live-in relationship, because you’ll just regret it later on.
As stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, “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.”
Also, it is stated in Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
It is loud and clear that God abhors pre-marital sex or sex outside marriage (this includes live-in relationships and extra-marital affairs).
God’s plan for each of us is to have a blessed and longer marriage, despite the distinct family upbringing, educational and cultural background. He doesn’t want us to suffer from guilt and shame as a result of getting ahead from His plan, which is by believing in sexual immorality and adultery.
The best way to know God’s perfect will in our lives is to seek His Word - the Bible. For Christians, the Bible is like a compass that directs them to the right path through the power of the Holy Spirit. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).
So, if you think you are suffering right now in your marriage because of guilt and shame that may lead to unresolved conflicts, Jesus Christ is waiting for you to confess and repent from your sins. Settle the issues and differences you have right now with your spouse through prayer on bended knees, while putting God at the center of your relationship being the witness.
It is God’s will for the husband and wife to stay together faithfully in love for as long as both are alive. Mark 10:9 said, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
It really takes amazing grace and humility in order for a marriage to work out successfully.
Ana Williams is a columnist for The Graham Star.