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!
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