Marriage and the Cross — Part 1

Following Jesus involves a cross, and yet He speaks of an easy yoke and a light burden. A loving relationship helps us appreciate how hardship and comfort can belong together. Marriage does not remove every difficulty from life, but faithful companionship can help us bear it. Ephesians 5 turns our attention toward the greater relationship of Christ and the church. His love does not promise a life without cost. It gives us a trustworthy Lord and a people with whom to follow Him.

Ephesians 5:25–27 says Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for her. This is love expressed through sacrifice. Luke 22:20 connects His blood with the new covenant. When we remember His body and blood, consider the relationship He establishes. He wants a people who belong to Him and live under His care. Our gratitude has a home within that covenant. We are responding to the Lord who has given Himself to bring us into fellowship with God.

Paul makes clear that Christ and the church are the deeper concern of the marriage picture (Ephesians 5:32). Each Christian matters, and that should make the other Christians matter to us. We cannot treasure belonging to Him while treating His people as unnecessary. Encourage someone who is tired. Notice a need. Seek peace where a relationship has been damaged. The fellowship His sacrifice provides deserves more attention than simply being in the same place at the same time.

His love also has a holy purpose. Ephesians 5 speaks of cleansing and presenting the church holy and blameless. Titus 2:11–14 connects grace with rejecting ungodliness and becoming a people eager for good works. We depend on the cleansing Jesus provides, and we answer through repentance and obedience. Is there a sin you keep making room for? Gratitude should help you turn from it. The love that establishes the relationship gives us a powerful reason to honor its purpose.

Remembrance also helps us look ahead. John 14:1–3 promises a prepared place and Christ’s return. Matthew 25:1–13 stresses readiness through the picture of waiting for a bridegroom. We can receive that lesson without building claims about every detail of ancient wedding customs. Hebrews 9:28 likewise points toward His appearing for those eagerly awaiting Him. The hope of being with Jesus should influence how we live now. Waiting faithfully involves attention, allegiance, and a willingness to keep following His word.

Bring three directions into your next remembrance. Look back at the sacrifice offered for redemption (Hebrews 9:12; 10:10). Look around with gratitude for brethren who share your covenant allegiance. Look forward with hope and readiness for the Lord who returns. Thank Him, accept the changes holiness requires, and strengthen your place among His people. These responses can make remembrance solemn and deeply grateful at the same time. His faithful love gives us support in hardship and a wonderful reason to anticipate the future.