"Love Celebrates Godliness"

Our series began in July 2020 with several themes arising from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Today’s Love Dare message focuses on verse 6, “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth” (NASB). The closer you and your spouse are to God, the more loving you will be in marriage. Our March 5th message, “Love is satisfied in God”, included a “marriage triangle diagram” showing how a couple’s spiritual journey is connected to their marriage. This simple, yet powerful visual is worth sharing again, so here is the link: https://c3ec.org/s/Triangle.pdf

Our roles as husband or wife are greatly enhanced as our Christian faith grows. With God, we have endless marital resources through His word, counsel, and love. In contrast, non-believers are severely limited and left to depend on their fickle emotions, selfish thinking, and human effort.

But even Christians have days where we fail to prayerfully depend on God, walk in His light, or obey His commandments. When we become spiritually disconnected, the door opens for impatience, anger, thoughtlessness, pride, and selfishness to take over. And when this happens, our spouses and families are exposed to the consequences.

Walking in fellowship with God is far more valuable for your marriage than any message, book, counseling session, or worldly advice. That is why one of the greatest priorities should be cultivating your relationship with Him while also celebrating any spiritual growth in your spouse. Love rejoices most in the things that pleases God. You are one of the most influential people in your spouse’s life, so lead them to honor Him. When your partner is growing in their faith and becoming spiritually active in the home, rejoice and cheer them on for what God is accomplishing in their lives.

Sometimes society can steer us to celebrate the wrong accomplishments in our spouse and, though unintentional, even encourage them to sin. But “love does not rejoice in unrighteousness” – not in ourselves, nor in our spouse. The Apostle John says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). He knew that the pursuit of godliness, purity, and faithfulness was the only way to please God, complete their purpose, and find joy and fulfillment in life.

But what if your spouse is not a believer? Paul tells us to stay true to an unbelieving mate, pray for them, and live an exemplary life before them in reverence to God (1 Corinthians 7:10-16). 1 Peter 3:1-2 calls wives to quietly use their submission, purity, and respectful behavior to win over their husbands. And verse 7 instructs husbands to be considerate and treat their wives with respect. Such a radical, contrary to society mindset may invite ridicule in some marriages. Nevertheless, remain prayerful, respectful, and loving. God is not finished with them yet and has placed a witness to Himself right next to them!

What more could you want for your spouse than to have them experience the best that life has to offer – the best that God has to offer! So be encouraging and happy for any success that your spouse enjoys. But save your heartiest congratulations for when they take steps closer to God and honor Him above all else. Celebrate Godliness!