Easter and Marriage

By: Donna Martin

Easter is a time when all of creation rejoices.  When we see the buds on the trees, the flowers pushing up from the dirt, and the birds busily building new nests we are reminded of Jesus’ victory over death and the new life that can be found when we trust in him.

So how does Easter relate to marriage?  Because they are bombarded daily with negativity from the media and the world, people sometimes lose sight of the hope and joy that a life in Christ can bring.  The world says to give up when the going gets tough – to choose someone else if our mate disappoints us.  The world says it’s ok to live with someone without being married.  It encourages people to seek their own pleasure at the expense of their families.  However, to enjoy the marriage that God intended for mankind, we must look to God and invite Him to be at the center of our marriage and our family.

Jesus became and man so he knows the struggles that we face each day.  He was tempted, betrayed by friends, surrounded by greed and sickness, experienced grief, and was forsaken.  He knows how it feels to be hurt and disappointed.  What a difference there would be in our marriages if we followed Jesus’ example in the way we lived with our spouse.  

1. Jesus persevered – He could have freed himself and walked away from the cross, but he could see past his suffering and endured the cross because he knew that a greater victory was beyond the suffering.  So he endured the suffering of the cross until his goal on earth was accomplished and he could say, “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NIV)

2.  Jesus forgave – As he was on the cross he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV)

3.  Jesus took care of his family even while he was dying – When he saw his mother standing near the cross he said, “Dear woman, here is your son (referring to John, his disciple) and to the disciple (John) “Here is your mother.” (John 19:26-27 NIV)

4.  He loved unconditionally – He loved those who loved him, and he loved those who wronged him.  He told us to “Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:12-13 NIV)

If you haven’t already done so, trust Jesus today.  Make him the center of your life and of your marriage.  Follow his example of love and see what a difference it can make in your relationship with your spouse.

Share with us about how the love of God has impacted your marriage by responding to this blog.

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” marriages seminars for churches and organizations.  To schedule a seminar call Michael at 940-735-1515. They also publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com