A moment of encouragement from LGS to start your week.

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
— Colossians 3:14 NKJV

Marriage is one of God’s beautiful gifts. But finding the right person to share your life with isn’t always easy, and building a strong marriage takes more than simply falling in love.

It takes patience, understanding, forgiveness, sacrifice, and most importantly, a love that keeps God at the center.

“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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

If you’re single and praying for the right spouse, don’t become so focused on finding someone that you overlook the importance of finding someone who shares your faith and your desire to follow Jesus.

Someone who will pray with you, encourage you, stand beside you through difficult seasons, and help you grow closer to God.

And if you’re already married, maybe you need a reminder that the person beside you is a gift worth appreciating, protecting, and investing in.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.”
— Proverbs 18:22 NKJV

Let’s face it. Marriage isn’t always easy.

There will be disagreements, disappointments, financial struggles, misunderstandings, and seasons when you may not feel as close as you once did.

Sometimes the pressures of everyday life can cause two people who genuinely love each other to slowly drift apart.

But here’s something worth remembering:

A difficult season in your marriage doesn’t necessarily mean your marriage is over. What that means is it’s time to choose love. Stop fighting against each other and start fighting for your marriage together.

Paul tells us to “put on love.”

I think that’s important because love isn’t always just something we feel. Sometimes it’s something we have to intentionally choose.

Choosing patience when we’re frustrated. Choosing kindness when we’re tired. Choosing forgiveness when we’ve been hurt. Choosing to listen instead of always needing to be right.

And sometimes choosing love means setting aside our pride, having difficult conversations, or seeking wise counsel when we can’t work things out on our own.

A godly marriage isn’t two perfect people who never disagree. It’s two imperfect people learning to love each other with the grace God has shown them.

So whether you’re waiting for the right person or working through a difficult season with the person you’ve already chosen, remember that love is more than a feeling.

It’s a commitment that needs to be nurtured, protected, and strengthened through faith.

If you’re waiting, don’t rush what deserves prayer and patience.

If you’re married, don’t take for granted what deserves love and attention.

And if you’re struggling, don’t let pride, resentment, or silence keep you from taking a step toward healing.

Choose love.

Because the gift of a godly marriage isn’t finding someone you’ll never have problems with. It’s finding someone you can walk with, grow with, pray with, and continue choosing to love through every season of life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and the love You have shown us. For those waiting for the right spouse, give them patience, wisdom, and discernment. For those who are married, help them love with kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and grace. And for couples who are struggling, bring healing where there is hurt, peace where there is conflict, and hope where there is discouragement. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us and to keep You at the center of our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I hope someone reading this, is reminded that a godly marriage isn't about loving perfectly, but about continually learning to love with the grace God has shown us.

God Bless,
Geff & Sarah