“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate,” declares the Lord.
Zechariah 8:16-17
Anyone but me love a good checklist?
Every day I make a list of what needs to be done and I love being able to draw a line through completed items or check the box by my accomplishments. {Sometimes I even add items to the list just so I can check them off. Truth.}
Our spiritual life isn’t a checklist, though. We don’t get to look at the Fruit of the Spirit and mark them off one at a time as we do them. It isn’t like we wake up every day and say, “Yep, loved my spouse today. Check.” And then get to spend the rest of the day treating people awfully.
The work of God in us is ongoing … and won’t be ready for checking off until we are completed in Him in heaven {Philippians 1:6}.
But, He does give us an idea of those characteristics He desires to see in us and of the behaviors and actions that identify us as His. These verses in Zechariah give us a few —
- Speak the truth to one another
- Render true judgments
- Make peace
- Don’t plot against each other
- Tell the truth about everything
Consider what our marriages and homes would look like if these were the qualities that defined our lives. What a beautiful pictures of integrity in word and deed we would be and the peace that would subdue any strife.
As we wrap up this series of verses to pray for our marriages and as we celebrate this fun day of love we call Valentine’s Day … let’s be an example to the world of the love of God, a picture of integrity and peace that extends far beyond the doors of our homes.
May our marriages be an example of integrity and peace to the world around us. http://wp.me/p3aJPA-1Qq #PrayersForMarriage Click To Tweet
Lord, we pray our marriage reflects You. We long to be obedient and faithful to the desires You have for us. Use our relationship to shine light into the darkness and may we be an example to others of integrity and peace, a reflection of Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage index
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