Marriage is an institution ordained by God (Genesis 2:23-25). Therefore, since the work of the devil is to try to destroy things made by God, he constantly attacks marriages, especially Christian marriages. There is a high divorce rate among Christians, even though it is not supposed to be so. This is because we fail to see that it as an attack of the devil and not just a physical problem. One of the main ways He attacks marriages is by stealing peace.
A Lack of Marriage Peace
Peace is not an absence of trouble; it is unrelated to our circumstances. It is a goodness of life that is not touched by what happens on the outside. You may be in the midst of great trials and still have this peace. Our focus is the Peace of Christ in marriage, not just peace as people define it.
This peace of Christ is a consistent deep, inner tranquility, rest and a sense of well-being that is not in our mind, but in our hearts. A function of our thinking does not create this peace. It is present because Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is living in our hearts. This is why it is called a peace that passes all understanding.
Many marriages today have a fake peace where husband and wife are just tolerating each other. In marriages like this, there is no genuine peace. A lack of this peace can steal love from the marriage and open the door for several other marital problems. I once knew a man of God that said he goes the extra mile to please his wife because he knows once his wife is pleased, there will be peace at home. Once there is peace, the presence of God can find easy expression.
[bctt tweet=”Once there is peace in a marriage, the presence of God can find easy expression. #marriage #healthymarriage” username=”AngelaLowe20″]
What is the Peace of Christ in Marriage?
The Peace of Christ in marriage is the sense of tranquility in love, communication and intimacy for a married couple. This peace does not result from the availability of physical things around them. It is a result of their love for God and themselves. This peace overlooks all wrongs and has the other partner’s well being as a high priority. Both the husband and wife work towards the presence of this peace in their home.
Scripture connects inner peace specifically to peace among people: “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace” (Col 3:15). If divine peace reigns within us, it should touch the rest our lives, especially our most important relationships. A lack of peace in your marriage will steal away the peace of Christ in your own heart. It is imperative to work toward ensuring peace in your marriage.
Having peace in your marriage allows you to live life more effectively and have joy more often. It also fosters love between the couple and enhances communication. These qualities are all signs of a good marriage. A marriage with peace is going to be a wonderful marriage. This is the type of relationship God had in mind when he created the institution of marriage.
[bctt tweet=”Both husband and wife must work toward creating peace in their home. #marriagehelp #peace” username=”AngelaLowe20″]
Engage the Wisdom of God with Key Biblical Counsel & Warfare Strategies For Your VICTORY
Marriage was instituted by God for peace, honor and glory for both spouses. Ensure you consciously guard the peace in your marriage so you can enjoy all the benefits.
1. Work on your inner peace.
Before two people become a couple, they are first individuals. Each person must first endeavor to have his or her own inner peace by having a relationship with God. Most times what steals the peace in marriage is when there is a troubled partner who projects the trouble onto the spouse. When there is inner peace with Christ, settling all your troubles in your heart, you can learn to dwell with your husband or wife in peace.
2. Use the Divine Power of Two.
One of the purposes of marriage is the Power of Two (Ecclesiastes 4:9, Joshua 23:10). When a spouse is troubled, rather than taking it out on the other partner, it is best to pull their strengths together in prayer. The peace of one spouse can help settle the troubled heart of the other (Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 18:19).
3. Let Jesus be the Center.
A marriage that has Jesus as the center and standard for their relationship will always have the peace of Christ. Though many marriages are tied at the altar, many couples leave Jesus at the altar. So when trouble arises, they call on people or seek for divorce rather than allow Jesus be their mediator. If a marriage is run on the principles of Jesus and His word rather than the opinion of individuals, there will be the peace of Christ in such marriages.
It is important to remember that marriage was instituted by God. Only God can accurately manage and steer it in the right direction. When we try to lead ourselves in marriage, we always end up lost.
4. Do not leave room for the enemy.
We are admonished not to allow the devil, our adversary, to get an advantage of us by being ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) and to give no room to Him. He will constantly use things like money issues, jealousy and so on to try and cause a divide among couples. We have to intentionally choose to stand our ground and not let him prevail.
Love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4). One of the major ways to allow the peace of Christ rule in your marriage and defend against the devil is to be patient with your spouse. Patience and an understanding heart is a good way to defend your peace against the attacks of the enemy. Also, mutual love and submission (Colossians 3:18-19) are key tools we can use to defend our peace. The devil only plays on our flesh weaknesses, and once we can guard against them, he cannot steal our peace.
[bctt tweet=”4 Strategies for Developing Peace in Marriage #marriagehelp #christiancounselor” username=”AngelaLowe20″]
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Angela Lowe, MS. Ed., LPC
Angela Lowe is a licensed Professional Counselor, trained Biblical Counselor and certified Holistic Health Coach. Her kingdom mandate is to restore God’s counsel to transform lives, marriages, and churches worldwide.
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