In the podcast 'The Best Thing for Your Marriage' by Francis and Lisa Chan, part of the Crazy Love series, the Chans discuss the importance of setting one's sights on heavenly rather than earthly treasures to foster a godly marriage. They emphasize the need for husbands to lead their families towards spiritual values and for both partners to remember their purpose and identity in Christ. The core message is that marriage is not about individual desires or gains but about serving Christ and embodying the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness, as outlined in Colossians 3.
Lisa Chan stresses the significance of working in marriage as if working for the Lord, shifting the focus from self-centered desires to serving Christ through one's relationship. She underscores the power of forgiveness and the necessity of adopting a humble and forgiving attitude towards one's spouse, reflecting on how this aligns with God's forgiveness towards us.
The podcast encourages listeners to evaluate their own contributions to their marriage in light of biblical virtues and to engage in open, humble discussions with their spouses about areas for improvement. By doing so, they argue, couples can cultivate a marriage that is not only fulfilling but also pleasing to God and reflective of His love and grace. The Chans' message is clear: the best thing for your marriage is to live it for Christ, remembering that your identity as chosen, holy, and beloved by God should inform how you treat your spouse and navigate your shared life together.
Select 2 or 3 of the following questions for further reflection
How does your treasure location affect your relationships and personal well-being?
In what ways can you lead your family towards valuing eternal over earthly treasures?
How often do you consider your actions and decisions in light of eternity?
What does it mean to you to do your work, including marriage, as unto the Lord?
How can embracing the idea that marriage is not about you but about Christ change your approach to it?
In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?
How ready are you to forgive others as Christ has forgiven you, especially within your marriage?
Reflect on a time when you had to ask for forgiveness or offer it within your marriage. What was the outcome?
How does understanding your identity as chosen, holy, and beloved by God impact your relationships?
Can you identify one area where you need to work on in order to be a better spouse, in light of Colossians 3:12-14?
Listen to the following song and reflect on these questions
Song - Sanctus Real - Lead Me
Discuss
Final Prayer
Loving Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and grace for our marriages and all our relationships. Help us to live not for ourselves, but for You, embodying the selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and love that You have shown us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us to set our minds on things above, to cherish and nurture the gift of marriage as a reflection of Your perfect love. Guide us to be partners who forgive freely, love generously, and lead each other closer to You. May our lives together glorify You and serve as a testament to the enduring power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
