Building a lasting
relationship, especially in marriage, requires both the presence of God and the
active contribution of each partner. A strong, meaningful connection is rooted
in a genuine love for God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark
12:30), as this fosters a compassionate and sacrificial heart towards others.
This must be mutual for both parties.
Recognising God's role in your
relationship, as emphasised in Mark 10:9 What God has joined together…,
deepens your appreciation for each other because the Holy Spirit helps keep
your hearts knitted together. Ecclesiastes 4:12 illustrates this beautifully:
“A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Picture a triangle, with God at
the apex and you and your partner at the base. The analogy of the strongest
cord being one of three strands holds here: each strand in a three-strand
cord touches the other two, creating a strong, interconnected bond. This level
of connection is not achieved with cords of four or more strands.
However, a solid foundation
with God isn't enough on its own. You both need to accept responsibility to
build a strong bond through personal effort. This involves spending quality
time together, communicating effectively, loving each other deeply, and
covering each other's shortcomings (1 Peter 4:8). This in addition to trusting
God and submitting to His guidance together (Proverbs 3:5-6) will help you
navigate life's challenges. These all provide the materials needed to build
your relationship.
One of my spiritual sisters
shared her courtship experience, which underscores these principles. During the
first year of their courtship, she and her fiancé dedicated time to studying
the Bible together. Each meeting involved discussing a pre-studied portion of
the Bible and documenting their insights. This practice drew them closer to God
and to each other. Now, after nearly ten years of harmonious, stress-free
marriage, their bond continues to grow stronger, to the glory of God.
How You Build Your
Relationship Matters! The
way you build your relationship determines its depth and meaningfulness. Commit
to prioritizing your love for God and applying these principles in your daily
lives.
Call to Action: Take a
Relationship Audit Today
·
Reflect on how you have been
building your relationship.
·
Identify areas where you have
been missing it and realign.
·
Prioritize your
relationship with God and with each other as a way of life.