The 100-0 Marriage

       The marriage relationship should be a 100-0 relationship. It is a matter of giving everything and expecting nothing in return. Jesus gave everything for mankind without any expectation and Christians are also to give everything for their spouse. Ephesians 5:1-2, John 15:12-14 and other Scriptures bear this truth out. Yes, if one person gives all and the other never gives anything in return, that is a problem. And no, we are not talking about allowing abuse or sin or inappropriate behavior. But what would happen if I just stopped focusing on all those things about my spouse that bother me and focus on meeting his or her needs and making them happy? What if I just dropped the expectations and sought only the best for my spouse? What if husbands and wives sought to win their spouse without a word (1Peter 3:1-2) - to serve and love their spouse unconditionally?  What a concept! To love each other as Christ would want us to - yet, too often, in counseling, I have to try to persuade people to die to self and just love their spouse without expectations. The Christian marriage is a covenantal relationship. A relationship in which each spouse fulfills his or her responsibilities even if the other does not. 

Peace in Your Relationships

Jesus Christ came that we might have peace; the Prince of Peace brings peace in three ways:

Peace with God – a lack of enmity or hostility with Him. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Peace in the world – tranquility in spite of the problems. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace with people – not only a lack of hostility with others, but a harmony with people. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at PEACE with everyone. Romans 12:18

It all begins with peace with God. Peace in the world won’t happen without peace with God and when we don’t have peace with God or in the world, peace with others will be difficult. Psalms 119:165 tells us, Great PEACE have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. When we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul, the things others do should not cause us to stumble – to make us do ungodly things. Too often, that is not the case; we react in anger when we are offended. Brothers and sisters this should not be. We must live out our Christianity, allowing God’s peace to rule, rather than the flesh. Philippians 4 reminds us that when we are focused on the Lord and giving everything to Him, the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.