A Marriage Made for More

What would marriage look like if we applied John 10:10 to it? “I have come that they may have life, and have life to the full.”

When a couple walks down the aisle on their wedding day, it’s their hope—and intention—that they’ll have a full and abundant marriage, a married life full of joy and peace, confidence and love. But as the days, months, and years go by, too often they simply get a little apathetic and settle for less.

That is not God’s plan for any marriage.

God wants each of us to live an abundant and full marriage. It takes work. It takes intentionality. And it takes lots of love and patience—and sometimes even longsuffering. But that’s just part of the marriage journey.

John 15:16-17 says, “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”

So how do we live in an abundant marriage, love each other, and as a couple bear fruit that will last?

First, know that you are made for a purpose as a couple. Pray together, and ask God to help you know what that purpose is. Ask Him to help you work on making your relationship more abundant every day. When you fail at any of this—and you will—know that God forgives, and be sure to forgive one another. Part of living an abundant marriage, a marriage that is made for more, has lots of forgiveness in it.

Second, we are made to participate in God’s plan. He wants every person on this planet to have His abundance, His “more”. And He has a role for each of us to play in His plan—a ministry for us to do. As a couple, what might that be? Dale and I have discovered that there is nothing more bonding than serving God together.

What can you do to share the truth that God wants every person, every couple to have more of His abundance? It might be mentoring younger couples, serving in the premarital or marriage ministry, watching the children so a young couple can have a date night. There are endless opportunities to help people along their journey to an abundant life.

Third, when things get tough in your marriage, stand on His promises, and know that He is with you. Know that He wants more for your marriage. Yes, there will be times of frustration and trouble, but He will be with you as you work together to discover that abundant life together. Hold on to a long-term view of your marriage, stand firm, and don’t give up.

What can you do today, this week, this month to have a full, abundant and “more” marriage? I’d love to know!