As married followers of Jesus,
As married followers of Jesus, it is essential to prioritize prayer and spiritual growth in our lives. Colossians 1:9-11 teaches us that through prayer and spiritual growth, we can live a life that honors and pleases God, produces good fruit, and becomes more Christ-like in character.
Firstly, as married followers of Jesus, we must make prayer a priority in our daily lives. We must pray for ourselves, for our spouse, and for our family, seeking God's guidance and blessings in our marriage. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul encourages us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Secondly, as married followers of Jesus, we must strive to bear fruit in our lives. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Therefore, by staying connected to Christ through prayer, studying God's Word, and serving others, we can bear fruit in our marriage and family life.
John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Thirdly, as married followers of Jesus, we must seek to be strengthened by God's power. In Ephesians 3:16, Paul prays that believers may be strengthened with power through God's Spirit in their inner being. This supernatural strength is necessary to overcome the challenges and trials that married couples may face in their relationship. By relying on God's power, we can overcome our weaknesses and grow in maturity together as a couple.
Ephesians 3:16: "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,"
Fourthly, as married followers of Jesus, we must develop endurance and patience in our relationship. In Colossians 1:11, Paul prays that believers may be strengthened with all power, according to God's glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. This endurance and patience are essential for a healthy and thriving marriage, as we learn to love and serve one another selflessly and sacrificially.
Colossians 1:11: "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,"
Finally, as married followers of Jesus, we can experience true joy in our relationship as we grow spiritually together. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to count it all joy when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. As we endure through the challenges of marriage, we become more mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Similarly, in 1 Peter 1:8-9, we can experience inexpressible and full-of-glory joy as we obtain the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls and our marriage.
James 1:2-4: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation
In summary, as married followers of Jesus, we must prioritize prayer and spiritual growth in our relationship. By praying consistently, studying God's Word, and relying on His power, we can live a life that honors and pleases God, bears good fruit in our marriage and family, and becomes more Christ-like in character. As we grow in our relationship with God and each other, we can develop endurance and patience, leading to true joy in all circumstances.