In writing an article on Christian marriage, a lot of beautiful terms could be focused on: love, of course; honor; faithfulness; commitment; forgiveness; sacrifice; devotion; etc. But, you see, we each have our own definitions for these terms, and—because of our sinful natures—we all have our own limitations on these terms as they apply to us in our marriages.

But two people—husband and wife—who are making God’s Word and prayer the key ingredient in their marriage, who are humble and transparent before God and one another—these people will see those terms defined in the love of the Father for a world hopelessly lost in sin and disobedience. They will see those terms also lived out in a Savior who was willing to humble Himself even to death on a cross so that all the world might be reconciled to God. They will see how God defines all those terms that are so special to a Christian marriage. Terms such as:

• "love": “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
• "sacrifice": “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
• "commitment": “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
• "faithfulness": “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
• "forgiveness": “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

And this is just a small sample of what is waiting for us on each page of the Scriptures, as the Lord lovingly waits to meet with us—to renew and to strengthen us and our marriages.

However, this Word of His, the Bible, is not just another “how-to” book! It is alive and vibrant, nothing less than the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. It is here where the Holy Spirit has promised to meet with us in His gracious power to transform our lives, who were once dead in sin, to be reconciled to God through the sacrifice of His Son, and to lead us to walk in newness of life in Christ.

Keep that “triangle illustration” in mind: you and your spouse, growing into Christ through His Word, will find great blessing as you grow in your relationship with your Lord through His Word. And you will find your marriage growing stronger, as the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of both husband and wife. There truly is no better key ingredient in a Christian marriage.

Thomas Westendorf is pastor of Faith Ev. Lutheran Church in Medford, Oregon.