Faithfulness in Marriage: Building a Family that Reflects Christ
Personal Reflection
Over forty years ago, I vowed to love one woman forever—and I’m still learning what that means. And now, as I enter the senior stage of life, I look back and realize something I couldn’t fully see in the early years: marriage is the long game.
Like most of God’s paths, it’s not built in a moment—it’s woven like a tapestry, thread by thread, over decades of joy, hardship, forgiveness, and faith. These days, we’ve become the rare couple still together from our youth. And in that, I’ve discovered a deeper joy. I rejoice now in the wife of my youth—not just for her beauty or kindness, but for the life we’ve built, the covenant we’ve kept, and the witness it bears to our children and our God.
What we have is precious. And it was worth every valley, every trial, every prayer.
Marriage is also daily. Every day is different. Wins don’t carry over every day. But sometimes the losses do—and you’re forced to deal with them when you’d rather not. It’s a daily grind of valleys and mountaintops, quiet forgiveness and unseen service.
Jesus teaches us to take one day at a time. The Lord’s Prayer says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Not tomorrow. Just today. And in the desert, God gave manna—only enough for one day. Marriage works the same way. You can’t coast. You can’t hoard grace. You walk together, day by day, with Christ.
Biblical Focus
- Proverbs 12:4 — “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.”
- Proverbs 31:10–11 — “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her.”
- Ephesians 5:25 — “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
The Covenant of Joy
Marriage is:
- Not a contract of convenience — but a covenant of self-giving love.
- Anchored in promise — not feelings.
- Fueled by grace — not performance.
Tim & Kathy Keller describe marriage as a deep spiritual friendship—a shared journey toward Christ where holiness comes before happiness, and lasting joy flows from it.
“Rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18) speaks of more than physical intimacy. It’s spiritual unity.
Delight in your spouse as a gift—not an idol.
Nourish and cherish each other (Ephesians 5:29). Don’t use and discard.
“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is what we need more than anything.” — Tim Keller, The Meaning of Marriage
That’s how Christ loves us: fully known, fully loved, fully committed.
Daily Practice: Rekindle the Covenant
Husbands — Sacrifice Like Christ
- Lay down comfort, pride, and selfishness to serve your wife.
- Love is not a feeling. It’s a daily crucifixion—and resurrection.
Wives — Build with Strength and Faith
- Build up your husband with intentional encouragement and prayer.
- Reflect the courage and strength of Proverbs 31.
Speak Life
- Take 30 seconds today to bless your spouse:
- “I see Jesus in you when you … ”
- “Thank you for being faithful in … ”
Final Charge
The world treats marriage like a contract to discard when it gets hard.
The Cross tells a different story.
You are in covenant.
You are not alone.
Jesus is forming you both into something glorious.
Rejoice in the one God has given you—because they are a gift.
Let your marriage proclaim His faithfulness to the world—and echo it into eternity.
May your marriage be a witness to others of the love of God.
