National Marriage Week 1 to 7 September 2023 and Efesians 5

God’s purpose in the life of every believer, whether married or single, is spiritual transformation, as the believer is sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit and conformed to Christ’s image (1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 8:29; 12:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 12:14). How different would our marriages look if we made it our life’s mission to help, support, serve, and pray for our spouse in his or her walk with Christ each day? Instead of focusing on our partner’s faults or our own unmet needs, what if we looked for ways to love one another in the completeness of God’s love (1 John 4:12)? What if we followed the instruction to “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13), “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24), “serve one another humbly” (Galatians 5:13), “be devoted to one another” and “honor one another” above ourselves (Romans 12:10), and “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)?