HOPE FOR THE HOME: The ABC's of spiritual maturity in marriage Part VI

Maturing in Marriage: We often hear in our Hope for the Home Conferences, “What is the secret of your marriage of over five decades?” We simply call it the “ABC's of Spiritual Maturity in Marriage.” This approach focuses on emphasizing positive qualities over negative ones and keeping our focus on the source of a successful and rewarding marriage – the word of God.

Jerry: 20. Trust Over Terror - "Trust in the LORD forever, for in Yahweh, the LORD is everlasting strength (Rock of Ages)," Isaiah 26:3-4. You might ask, “How can terror enter a marriage?” I not speaking here as in a terrorist attack, or an irrational fear, but in the context of allowing anxiety and worry to overtake the assurance and courage needed to face the tests and trails of marriage and family life. When the “what ifs,” replace the certainties you end up living in a fantasy world where trust and faith evaporate. When you commit your life, marriage, and family to the care of God never doubt that He is truly an everlasting strength.

Becky: 21. Understanding Over Uncertainty - " and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7. We truly live in uncertain and turbulent times according to the mind of man. Peace domestically, racially, economically, politically, and especially militarily is elusive. The Society of International Law in London states that there have only been 268 years of peace during the last 4,000 years of human history – despite the signing of more than 8,000 peace treaties. For the God ordained institution of marriage to experience harmony and unity, it is essential we embrace the peace which only comes from a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. And this truly surpasses all human understanding.

Jerry: 22. Virtue Over Vice -" But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love," II Peter 1:5-7. These two verses lists the eight fundamentals of maintaining a marriage free from the corruption and wickedness of our culture. This requires commitment and discipline on the part of both husband and wife. The best way of doing this is to apply the word of God in every area of your marriage.

Becky: 23. Wait Over Worry - “Wait for the lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen thine heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14. Someone once said to me, “I worry while I wait on the LORD.” Obviously, they did not comprehend the meaning of this command. Clearly there will be occasions in marriage when we find it easier to worry than to wait for God to act. However, this verse is not a suggestion. God not only supplies the courage, but the strength needed to fact the roughest seas and the highest tides. The One who walked on water during the storm will step into your boat if you wait on Him.

Dr. Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.