Faithfulness & Charity

Living out our oneness.

1) Working Out Your Oneness

Oneness, the indivisible unity in marriage, describes both the married couple as well as a Christian’s relationship to Christ. Whether wading through some difficulties or just enriching your relationship, use this teaching to help you!

2) Never Two

Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate (Matthew 19:6).

As much as we might sense a strain in our relationship, we need to refuse to accept it. This might sound a bit strange, but it is perfectly in line with what Jesus said. We affirm our oneness and refrain from doing anything that separates: negative criticism, hitting, yelling, name calling, blaming, etc..

Reflection: When a wife has a moody day, she can get critical and antagonistic. A husband can really feel the ‘twoness’ and can easily reflect that feeling by ignoring her need for constant love. Instead, remember your commitment to her. You don’t feel like loving her but consciously decide that you will love her. You will choose to be more influenced by what is true - ‘the two are one.’ Make a decision not to wound her but only provide your support and care for her as if she was you (she is) (Ephesians 5:28). It works. Anything less than this interferes with solving the real problem.

3) Pure and Faithful

Jesus’ words “every one who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart” are well-known (Matthew 5:28). At times we will be tempted to be attracted to another person, especially when our marital relationship is experiencing rough times.

We need to affirm a life of purity. As a single, you train your mind to steer clear of its lustful path. If married, you remember your oneness and reject such wanton thoughts. Fix your mind on purity even if you need to first repent.

4) Kindness and Caring

God’s commands help us affirm our oneness. “Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against any one; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love...” (Colossians 3:13-14).

We affirm our oneness when we refuse to act on upon those actions that separate us and deliberately decide to do those things that draw us closer together. Circle the actions below that affirm oneness between a married couple.

Application: Choose two areas that you will work on. Accompany your decisions with concrete actions and prayer. See the take home project. Next ->