Today's Scripture
"As the Scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." Ephesians 5:31-32 NLT
Thoughts for Today
In Ephesians 5:22-33 we see the apostle Paul presenting Christ and the Church as a pattern for marriage. God shows the importance and high standing of marriage by using Christ and the Church as a pattern to follow.
As you look at Christ and the Church as the model for marriage, the principles involved can take your union with your spouse to another plane of living. A Spirit-filled marriage, one controlled by the Holy Spirit and patterned after these scriptures in Ephesians, can become a miracle relationship. You can experience marriage as "the best thing this side of heaven."
The atmosphere in a Spirit-filled marriage involves more than exercising spiritual gifts or having Scripture verses plastered on the walls. It is a husband wife sharing a daily walk with Christ in prayer, meditation, and Bible reading—communion with God and with each other.
Consider this …
Marriage according to God's plan is a union of unconditional love, forgiveness, and service to each other . . . all leading to intimacy. The partners continually draw closer to each other. They know each other. They are truly "one flesh." There is no hidden agenda—they can share openly with each other about everything.
Every marriage faces challenges. This kind of union does not happen easily, and it does not happen overnight. It takes a lifetime of learning and building. But if you both commit fully to God's way . . . you can be united as one and lead your entire family into the blessings of God's family plan.
Prayer
Lord, help us to grow in unconditional love, forgiveness, and service to each other. Help us find the kind of intimacy you planned for marriage. And help us lead our children according to your plan. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. The curriculum deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Ministers to families from abusive relationships
- Ministers to victims of family violence
- Deals with wounded emotions
- Deals with control and intimacy issues
- Presents a strong message of Christ as healer of abusive relationships
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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