Braided Together: Weaving Spiritual Growth in Marriage

Marriage, in its divine design, is much like a strong and beautiful cord. But when a husband and wife intertwine their hearts and lives with the thread of faith, it becomes something even more resilient: a three-fold cord, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This third strand, our shared faith in the Lord, strengthens our bond and our individual walks with Him.

Think of the intricate art of hair braiding. Each strand, distinct yet intertwined, contributes to the overall strength and beauty of the braid. Similarly, in marriage, each spouse has their own unique spiritual journey, yet when interwoven with a commitment to support one another in faith, a powerful and unbreakable bond is formed.

Look at Aquila and Priscilla from Acts 18. Their lives were like two strands, diligently working side-by-side in their trade and in ministry. Their shared passion for the Gospel acted as that vital third strand, strengthening their work and their witness. They actively supported each other's gifts, creating a powerful force for God.

Then we have Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12-23). Their journey, though marked by moments of individual struggle and doubt, ultimately saw them both growing in faith. Their shared covenant with God, though tested, served as the unifying third strand that held their marriage together through trials, leading to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Just as a skilled hand braids separate strands together, we too can intentionally weave our spiritual lives with our spouse's. Here are ten ways, inspired by scripture, to braid your hearts in spiritual growth:

For Husbands: Braiding Strength

Weave in Prayer: Like a foundational strand, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) for your wife, anchoring her in God's love.

Braid in the Word: Together, let "Thy word be a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105), illuminating your shared journey.

Intertwine Encouragement: Recognize and uplift her God-given gifts, for "as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another" (1 Peter 4:10).

Knit in Example: Let your life be a clear and s
teady strand of faith: "Be thou an example of the believers" (1 Timothy 4:12).

Guide the Braid of Devotion: Lead your family in seeking God, declaring, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

For Wives: Braiding Grace

Weave in Fervent Prayer: Your earnest prayers are a powerful strand: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16) – and so does yours!

Braid in Fellowship: Join together in worship, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...but exhorting one another" (Hebrews 10:25).

Intertwine Edifying Words: Let your speech build him up, offering "that which is good to the use of edifying" (Ephesians 4:29).

Knit in Respectful Support: Graciously support his spiritual leadership, understanding that wives are to "submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22).

Guide with Patience and Love: Remember that "charity suffereth long, and is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Allow grace and patience to be the gentle hands guiding your shared growth.

Now, what if one of the strands seems weaker or isn't growing at the same pace? 

Remember that even in a braid, each strand has its own texture and length. Continue to lovingly intertwine your life with theirs, praying and being a steadfast example. Trust in the Master Braider, who is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Keep braiding your lives together with love and faith, and the three-fold cord will hold strong!

Lost for Words, Found by Grace: God's GPS for Navigating Communication Chasms in Marriage

Words, the very currency of connection, can sometimes become the barricades that divide. When a husband and wife find themselves lost in a desert of miscommunication, the journey together feels.....well, parched. Yet, even in this wilderness of being 'lost for words,' there is a Divine Navigator ready to lead us back to an oasis of understanding, Amen?

This 'desert of miscommunication' is what we might call the Communication Chasm – a painful detour where connection seems to wither and loving words become scarce. It's a place where hearts can feel isolated, even when side-by-side. But praise be to God, we are not left to wander aimlessly in these dry places! Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite love and wisdom, provides a divine 'GPS' – what I will call His Guidance and Protective System – meticulously designed to lead us with perfect accuracy.

And I share this with you not just from academic study or ministry observation, but from a deeply personal place. My own marriage, a precious gift from God, has also navigated seasons where we faced communication gaps much like the ones we will discuss. This very blog, "Walking Together Towards God," was in many ways birthed from those times of earnestly seeking His face together, from many conversations that initially felt overwhelming, compelling us to lean ever more intentionally on the Lord for His unfailing wisdom and grace.

We will explore together how, even when we find ourselves 'Lost for Words,' we can be truly 'Found by Grace.' We will discover how to activate and follow God's GPS for Navigating these Communication Chasms in Marriage, turning to His timeless Word and the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit for the coordinates that lead to reconnection, understanding, and renewed intimacy. For as it is written, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). Let us embark on this journey of rediscovery together, hand in hand, with the Lord lighting our way.

Understanding the Communication Chasm

The Communication Chasm in marriage manifests painfully: from echoing silences and fear-filled walking on eggshells to escalating misunderstanding and words used as weapons. The Bible warns, “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a, KJV) and that the tongue is a “fire” (James 3:6, KJV). This devastating divide breeds emotional isolation, erodes trust, allows “bitterness” (Ephesians 4:31, KJV) to take root, and hinders spiritual closeness. Such breakdowns often reveal deeper heart issues, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34b, KJV). Recognizing these signs is the first step toward healing.

Activating Your Divine GPS – God’s Guidance System

Though the chasm seems vast, hope shines! God offers His Divine GPS: His Guidance and Protective System. Activate it by turning to His Word, our unerring map (“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,” Psalm 119:105a, KJV). The Holy Spirit acts as our Heavenly Navigator, ready to guide us “into all truth” (John 16:13a, KJV) when we earnestly seek His wisdom in prayer (James 1:5, KJV). This Divine GPS recalibrates our path, offering clear direction to bridge divides and rediscover loving communication. With Him, no marriage is truly lost.

God’s GPS provides practical coordinates for your journey. 

Prioritize intentional listening (“be swift to hear, slow to speak,” James 1:19a, KJV) over merely waiting for your turn to talk. 

Commit to “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15a, KJV), ensuring your words are always “good to the use of edifying” (Ephesians 4:29b, KJV). Create sacred, distraction-free time for heartfelt sharing. 

When conversations begin to escalate, courageously use the 'pause and pray' button, inviting God's immediate peace and wisdom. These intentional steps, undertaken with humility (Philippians 2:3-4, KJV), rebuild bridges, stone by stone.

When Your GPS is "Recalculating" – The Role of Forgiveness & Grace

Sometimes, your Divine GPS will lovingly announce, “Recalculate!” Detours and missteps in communication will happen. When they do, humility is your crucial first response. Be willing to prayerfully confess shortcomings (1 John 1:9, KJV) and courageously seek and extend forgiveness. Remember, we are tenderly called to be kind to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another , even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).God’s grace is not just for our initial salvation, but for every step of the marital journey, continually mending hearts and restoring broken pathways as we turn to Him.

Conclusion

The Communication Chasm in your marriage, though it may feel daunting, need not be a permanent feature of your landscape. With God as your Divine GPS, faithfully guiding your steps, you can navigate from being 'Lost for Words' to being truly 'Found by Grace.' Trust in Him implicitly: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6b, KJV). This week, will you pray together for your communication, or perhaps choose one 'GPS coordinate' from this post to intentionally practice? May the Lord richly bless your marriage with ever-deepening understanding, Christ-like tenderness, and words that bring abundant life. Amen.

Fresh Growth, Fresh Love: Balancing Life and Love in Marriage

 Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings—just like a thriving marriage. Just as nature finds balance between rain and sunshine, so must we find balance in our relationships. A strong marriage isn’t about losing yourself or sacrificing everything; it’s about nurturing both your individual identity and your union.

Balancing Work and Family Life
Life can feel like a juggling act—career responsibilities, family needs, and personal time all pulling us in different directions. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) reminds us, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Prioritize time with your spouse and children, but also set healthy boundaries with work. Remember, success at home is just as important (or even perhaps more), as success in the workplace.

Letting people at work know that you have a spouse and a family is important. They need to view you in the right way. You are not available romantically and your priority is not them.

Personal Pursuits vs. Couple Activities
While date nights and shared experiences strengthen your bond, personal passions also matter. Whether it's a hobby, fitness goal, or ministry work, encourage one another’s growth. Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) states, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” A strong marriage is built when both individuals continue to grow and inspire each other.

Finding new things to do together or new places to explore will contribute to the mutual things that you have in common. Although you don't have to share everything, sharing lots of things makes for a stronger tie with your spouse.

Being “You” and Being “Us”Marriage unites two people as one (Mark 10:8), but that doesn’t mean you lose your identity. Instead, it’s a blending—a beautiful harmony of two lives. Find joy in the balance between being a devoted spouse and a unique individual.

Appreciate what makes you different from your significant other, and balance having time to yourself and with your friends. 

This spring, embrace renewal in your marriage. Find balance, cherish your love, and grow together. We would love to hear how these ideas bring balance to your relationship this spring!

Covenants, not Competitions: The Dangers of Comparing Marriages

The Danger of Comparing Your Marriage to Others

It’s been easy for me to fall into the trap of comparing my marriage to others, especially in a world where social media highlights only the best moments. But comparison is a dangerous habit that can breed discontent and unrealistic expectations. It might even grow resentment. Every marriage is unique, shaped by different experiences, challenges, and growth. Instead of measuring your relationship against someone else’s, focus on strengthening what you and your spouse have built together. It is important for your marriage's longevity!

Five Ways to Focus on Your Own Marriage

1. Practice Gratitude – Instead of wishing your marriage looked like someone else’s, take time to appreciate what’s beautiful about your own relationship. A thankful heart fosters contentment and joy. Make a list if you have to, I did!

2. Communicate Openly – Honest and heartfelt conversations help bridge gaps and build intimacy. Share your feelings, dreams, and concerns with your spouse instead of assuming or expecting them to read your mind. If this is hard for you, share little things first and get used to sharing more.

3. Invest in Quality Time – Every strong marriage requires intentional effort. Set aside time for date nights, deep conversations, and shared experiences that create lasting memories. This is a MUST! You will prioritize time with poeple you love moset

4. Set Goals Together – Focus on your unique journey by setting goals as a couple. Whether it’s financial planning, spiritual growth, or parenting strategies, working towards shared aspirations strengthens your bond.

5. Pray for and with Each Other – Marriage is a covenant, not a competition. Seeking God’s guidance together fosters unity and brings peace, even in difficult seasons.

Instead of comparing your marriage, nurture it. Embrace your journey, celebrate small victories, and remember that love is not about perfection but about commitment and grace. Keep your focus on your relationship, and trust that God is working in your marriage for His glory.