Reframe Marriage: Thriving Together in Christ

Introduction

Marriage is a sacred union that goes beyond mere survival; it is about thriving together in Christ. Whether you are married, single, or have experienced the pain of a broken marriage, this message is for you. Let’s explore how to reframe marriage from a kingdom perspective, focusing on intentional investment and reflecting Christ’s love.

 

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive Your wisdom and guidance. As we discuss the sacred covenant of marriage, we ask that You help us to see it through Your eyes. May we be open to what You want us to learn and apply in our lives, whether we are married, single, or in any other stage of life. Guide our conversation and let Your love be the foundation of all we do. Amen.

 
Key Verses

Genesis 2:24

Matthew 19:4-6

Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:21-25

 

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

Marriage as a Covenant

Marriage is not just a human agreement but a divine covenant. Genesis 2:24 states, “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Jesus reiterated this in Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing that what God has joined together, no one should separate. This covenant reflects the unity and love between Christ and His church.

 

Mutual Submission

Ephesians 5:21-25 calls for mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. Wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This mutual submission is not about power or control but about sacrificial love and service.

The Importance of Intentional Investment

Investing in Your Marriage

Just like our faith, marriage requires intentional investment. Life is demanding, and it’s easy to let other commitments overshadow our relationship with our spouse. However, we cannot afford to wait. Investing in your marriage means making it a priority, just as you would with any valuable asset.

 

Practical Steps for a Thriving Marriage

1. Make Your Marriage a Daily Priority: Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for uninterrupted time with your spouse. No kids, no phones, just the two of you connecting and talking.
2. Commit to Regular Date Nights: Start with one date night a month and work your way up. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; the key is intentional connection.
3. Keep Fun and Creativity Alive: Try new activities together, play games, or recreate your first date. These moments of joy and laughter strengthen your bond.
4. Be Intentional with Communication: Have regular check-in conversations to share what’s going on in your heart and life. It doesn’t have to be heavy, just real and honest.
5. Pray Together and Anchor Your Marriage in Faith: Make it a habit to pray together, read the Bible, and ground your relationship in faith. This spiritual connection changes everything.
6. Have the Hard Conversations Early: Address issues before they become critical. Speak up with grace and kindness, and don’t let small problems fester into big ones.
7. Seek Help When Needed: Don’t wait for a crisis to seek counseling. Regular check-ins with a trusted counselor can provide valuable tools and perspectives.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to view marriage from a kingdom perspective rather than a human perspective?
2. How can we apply the concept of intentional investment in our relationships, whether married or not?
3. In what ways can Christ be an anchor in our relationships during challenging times?
4. How does the idea of marriage as a covenant differ from a simple commitment?
5. What are some practical ways to make marriage a daily priority?
6. Why is mutual submission important in marriage, and how can it be practiced?
7. How can we overcome the excuses that prevent us from investing in our relationships?
8. What role does community and counseling play in maintaining a healthy

 

Life Application

Reflecting Christ in Your Marriage

A reframed marriage is about more than love; it’s about oneness and reflecting Christ’s covenant with us. This week, challenge yourself to invest intentionally in your marriage. Here are some questions to ponder:

 

How can I make my marriage a daily priority?

What steps can I take to improve our communication?

How can I show sacrificial love to my spouse this week?

 

Conclusion

Marriage is a divine covenant that requires intentional investment and mutual submission. By reflecting Christ’s love and making daily choices to invest in your relationship, you can build a thriving marriage that stands the test of time. Remember, a reframed marriage is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving together in Christ.

Ending Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the gift of marriage and relationships. Help us to invest intentionally in them, reflecting Your love and grace. May we walk in the way of love, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Guide us in our daily choices to honor You and strengthen our bonds with those we love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.