This article is adapted from the Marriage After God podcast episode titled "6 Callings God Has For Your Marriage." For a more detailed discussion, please listen to the full episode. Subscribe and listen today.
We have all, at various times, considered what God’s calling may be for us as individuals, and even fewer people might have considered what God’s calling could be for their marriage. We hear the words calling, and many things may come to mind, such as being a pastor or planting a church.
Maybe it is a worship leader or missionary. Often, when we think of God’s calling on our lives, these are the types of things that may come to mind, and all of these things are good and potential callings for some who read this. But could there be callings beyond the few that seem so obvious?
We believe that every Christian marriage has a unique purpose, a divine calling that is intricately woven into the fabric of your relationship. These callings are not just for a select few but for every Christian marriage, including yours!
Here we will share with you six fundamental callings that we believe God has for every marriage, including yours.
We hope that by understanding these callings, you will find a starting point in your marriage and realize that God already has a plan for you, and you will be encouraged to know exactly how your marriage has been made for so much more than just happily ever after.
1. Prayer
Prayer is the first calling. It is the cornerstone of a Christian marriage. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, seek His guidance, and invite His presence into our marriages.
Prayer strengthens the bond between spouses and aligns our hearts with God's will. As it is written:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).
Your marriage has to be a place of constant and fervent prayer. Praying not only for each other but also for others. Even if your spouse does not or will not pray with you, you still can.
2. Love
The second calling is love. Love is the essence of a Christian marriage. It is not just about feelings but about choosing to love your spouse every day, even when it's hard.
Love is patient, kind, and selfless. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
As stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, "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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
We must also consider what the Bible says in Colossians 3:14, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." This verse reminds us that godly love is the ultimate calling in our marriages, binding all other callings together.
3. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is our third calling. In every marriage, there will be times of conflict and misunderstanding.
Forgiveness is the key to resolving these conflicts and maintaining harmony in your relationship. It is a reflection of God's forgiveness towards us.
As Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
4. Trust
The fourth calling is trust. Trust is the foundation of a strong marriage. It is built over time and requires honesty, transparency, and consistency.
Trusting your spouse means believing in their love for you and their commitment to your marriage.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
5. Purity
Our fifth calling is purity. Purity is not just about sexual purity but also about purity of heart, mind, and intentions.
It is about striving to live a life that is pleasing to God and honoring to your spouse. As Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
6. Generosity
The final calling is generosity. Generosity is about giving freely and abundantly, not just in terms of money but also in terms of time, attention, and love.
It is about putting your spouse's needs above your own and serving them with a joyful heart.
As Acts 20:35 reminds us, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
God’s Purpose for Marriage
We hope that these six callings will inspire you to pursue a marriage after God, a marriage that is rooted in prayer, filled with love, marked by forgiveness, built on trust, characterized by purity, and overflowing with generosity.
Remember, God has a unique calling for your marriage, and He wants to use your relationship for His glory.
We invite you to listen to the Marriage After God podcast, where we delve deeper into these callings and share practical tips on how to live them out in your daily life. Let's journey together toward a marriage that reflects God's love and fulfills His purpose.
Remember, your marriage is not just about you and your spouse. It's about God and His kingdom.
Let's strive to have a Marriage After God. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
This verse beautifully illustrates the power of a marriage that includes God as the third strand, strengthening the bond between husband and wife.
God bless you and your marriage,
Aaron & Jennifer Smith
For further reading:
What Is the Biblica Definition of Marriage?
Why Is a Covenant of Marriage Such a Radical Idea?
What Is God’s Created Design for Marriage?
What Are the Benefits of Marriage in the Christian Life?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Serhii Sobolevskyi
