Hal Hollister Ministry

“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.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

The subject of a sound and healthy marriage starts on the wedding day at the altar. God is looking over the couple who are speaking their vows and asking for His blessing. Has this marriage been committed to God or is it just a ritual? 

Jesus cares deeply about marriages and He despises divorce. They ruin lives.

In our society today many Christians get married, get a divorce and then get remarried to another person.

This happens because the spouse is not committed to God, has compulsive (or addictive) behaviors and lives for self.

The most important spiritual quality for success is devoting the marriage to Jesus and asking Him to bless the relationship.

Many married couples make poor decisions in their relationship. This is because they are not yielding to Jesus and praying together for spiritual wisdom and guidance. 

The marriage partnership requires forgiveness, emotional healing and the blood of Jesus to cover conflicts and disagreements.

Most marriages break up when one of the spouses is not committed to Jesus. The spouse who takes control over all decisions and insists on his way usually ends in a divorce.

Marriage is built on unconditional love for each other. The Bible teaches that husband and wife become one flesh.

Jesus does not want a marriage partner to suffer physical, verbal or mental abuse from a spouse. They are free to seek counsel, separate or get a divorce if the spouse is unwilling to change.

Just read the story of Nabal and Abigail to see how God feels about spousal abuse.

“For the Lord has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.” 1 Samuel 25:39

If the marriage is healthy and safe the wife is asked to stay in the relationship and pray for salvation for her husband. 

The husband is instructed to love his wife selflessly and wives are to respect their husbands.

The defining question is a husband willing to lay down his life for his wife. This is a sign of the unconditional love of Jesus.

The sign of a healthy marriage is the husband and wife who pray together each day.

Marriages require a lot of work for both partners.

This requires good listening skills, warm and caring conversations, and discussing the needs and emotions of each other. The words spoken to each other should be uplifting and respectful.

The husband and wife must pray and be in agreement over every decision. If there is not agreement between them no decision should be made until a resolution is agreed upon.

The principle of marriage requires each partner to submit to the other with selflessness. 

The motives in a marriage should be to live together in love and a faithful relationship.

Ask the Holy Spirit to have authority over your marriage and pray for His omniscient wisdom and protection.

Jesus desires to give a married couple an abundant life with a loving family.