#MarriagePrayers: 2 Corinthians 5:9

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. — 2 Corinthians 5:9

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Whether we’re at home or away …

That pretty much covers it, huh?

Paul is reminding the Corinthians (and us!) the goal is the same no matter where we are: to please Christ.

I was thinking about what it means to please Christ, specifically in the context of marriage. I looked at several other passages, some of which we’ll be covering later in this series, to find out what Scripture says about marriage and the relationship between spouses. Here is a taste of what I found —

United to each other (Genesis 2:22-24) — From the start, God intended our first loyalty (after Him) would be to one another … not to our parents or our kids, our jobs or our hobbies.

Committed to serve Him {Joshua 24:15} — I love Joshua’s declaration before the Israelites. This passage is a reminder that serving God won’t just happen, we must be intentional.

Live with righteousness {Proverbs 20:6-7} — When we pursue righteousness in our lives, we bless each other and our children.

Make each other better {Proverbs 31:12} — While this verse is specifically about wives, the truth is, both spouses should be working to bring the other good, not harm, in every way.

Stick together {Ecclesiastes 4:12} — I love this word picture of a cord with three strands … husband, wife, and God.

Don’t neglect intimacy {1 Corinthians 7:3} — While this verse is specifically referencing physical intimacy, we must give attention to maintaining intimacy in all areas.

Forgive! {Ephesians 4:32} — ‘nough said, right?

Represents Christ and the Church {Ephesians 5:32} — We have this great privilege of being a picture of Christ and His Bride.

Honor your relationship {Hebrews 13:4} — Hold your marriage in high esteem. So many people make jokes at their spouse’s expense or make light of their marriages. This is not what God intends.

Above all, love each other {1 Peter 4:18} — Choose to love even when you don’t feel love … marriage is hard, no joke. But when we make the choice to love and to stay, God is honored!

10 traits of a marriage that pleases God #MarriagePrayers Share on X

This isn’t an all-inclusive list, of course. But it’s a great start. Just imagine what happens if the couples you know followed even half of these — families and churches and communities would be radically changed! What about it, y’all? Are you ready to make your marriage all about pleasing Him?

~ Teri Lynne

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Today’s Prayer

Lord, Marriage is taken so lightly in our world. People don’t honor or value the relationship You ordained. We want to be different — we want to honor You with our marriage. May we make it our aim to please You in our marriage, even when it’s hard, even when we want to give up, even when we don’t like each other. May our our relationship point others to You and Your great love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#MarriagePrayers:May we make it our aim to please You in our marriage. (2 Corinthians 5:9) Share on X

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Thank you for joining us for #MarriagePrayers: 31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage. Scott and I will be sharing a new verse and prayer every day throughout May, leading up to our 20th anniversary on June 1. You can find every day’s post indexed here. We pray you will be encouraged and challenged as you pray God’s Word for your marriage.