Christian couples have a goal and hope that goes beyond the wedding ceremony.
We journey toward spiritual oneness as described in Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV), “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Meanwhile, our adversary, the devil, is determined to steal, kill, and destroy all we are working for (John 10:10). Here are five examples of how the devil can influence your perception of your spouse and how to combat the enemy:
1. He sows seeds of doubt, leading to unnecessary suspicion and mistrust. Combat this by trusting in God’s plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and seek God’s wisdom (James 1:5).
2. The devil can amplify minor issues, eroding appreciation and gratitude, fostering resentment. Combat this by practicing forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) and cultivate love and compassion (Romans 12:10).
3. The father of lies thrives on confusion and can make it difficult for couples to possess effective communication. Combat this with open and honest communication (Ephesians 4:29), seek understanding and empathy (Philippians 2:3-4), and pray together for guidance (Matthew 18:20).
4. He fosters pride and makes it hard to apologize or forgive. Combat this with a humble heart (Philippians 2:3) and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).
5. The devil loves to fling lies of unworthiness or stir fear in us, causing defensive or accusatory behavior. Combat this with reliance on God’s perfect love (2 Timothy 1:7) and always build each other up in faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Oneness in marriage depends on the condition of both hearts toward Jesus and toward each other. Imagine the impact on your marriage if you always held onto the belief that your spouse had your best interest at heart. By applying these biblical principles, you can fortify your marriage against the devil's attempts to sow discord, fostering a relationship rooted in love, trust, and faith. May God be glorified forevermore.
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