KEY VERSE: “Let Reuben live and not die, nor his people be few.” (Deuteronomy 33:6, LSG)

The ultimate purpose of marriage, as we have seen before, is to glorify God. The Bible declares: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, SG21). We glorify Him by reflecting His image. Paul says: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

The ultimate goal of the Christian life is character transformation. We are called to reflect the person and character of God, which requires a willingness to be broken and to go through trials. The Bible declares that the Son reflects God’s very glory and expresses His divine nature:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.“ Hebrews 1:3

As believers, we are called to reflect God’s character in our daily lives, and this is especially true in marriage. God’s character is revealed through our actions, attitudes, and interactions with our spouse. However, it is important to note that one must be broken for God’s divine character to manifest in us. The Bible states:

“Tribulation produces perseverance (…) perseverance develops strength of character.“ Romans 5:3-4

It is often through great trials that God’s character is revealed, and this is particularly true in the context of marriage. Marital problems can be a source of great tribulation, but it is through these challenges that we can develop God’s character. Therefore, the Bible declares:

“But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. However, those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.“ 1 Corinthians 7:28

In other words, those who marry will face many challenges in this life, and the purpose of these trials is to spare us from even greater difficulties in the future. Marriage is a journey filled with obstacles, but it is through this journey that we can draw closer to God and become more like Him.

In summary, marriage is a sacred bond that glorifies God by reflecting His person and character. We are called to reflect God’s character in our marriage, which requires a willingness to be broken and to go through trials. Through these difficulties, we can develop God’s character and become more like Him.

PRAYER
Lord God, I surrender my spirit, soul, and body to You.
Transform me into Your image for the glory of Your name. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

APPLICATION
Looking back on all the trials you have been through, what traits of God’s character have emerged and surfaced in you? Give thanks to the Lord, for He has molded you to bring you closer to His image.

This text is an excerpt from the book “BUILDING A HOLY NATION: THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY” written by Pastor Gregory Toussaint.

We invite you to read the next article: “Large Families Are a Blessing for a Nation.”

Tribulations in Marriage. Tribulations in Marriage. Tribulations in Marriage.