Made New: A 15–Day Devotional on Colossians 3 With Jada Edwardsنموونە

Note: This day is not just for married people. If you are single, consider the ways you can serve and honor your friends or significant other.

Marriage exposes our spiritual maturity—or immaturity. In today’s devotional, Jada teaches that the way we treat our spouse reveals the state of our relationship with God.

Reflect

The friction that comes from constantly rubbing up against another person’s habits, quirks, likes, and dislikes will reveal our inner person. Marriage, and other close relationships, will reveal if we are truly forgiving, patient, kind, and generous. In what ways have your close relationships revealed your true character? What have you learned about yourself after being married or from being near other marriages?

Because it is a covenant, marriage is the most intimate human relationship. But familiarity can sometimes breed contempt. It can be easy to take your spouse for granted and treat him or her dishonorably, as if God’s command to love, cherish, and respect only applies to some circumstances. If you are married, what are some tangible ways you can intentionally obey God’s call to love and honor your spouse?

If you are single, what are you learning about your own strengths and weaknesses as you interact with friends, family, roommates, or colleagues?

Respond

Good marriages don’t just happen. A healthy marriage needs work, dedication, intentionality, and perseverance. In our culture, which often prioritizes wedding days over the marriages themselves, God calls us to be exceptional, creating marriages that last a lifetime.

If you are single, consider your closest relationships and decide on specific ways you can promote unity and harmony between you and them. Determine when and how you will put your insights into action.

If you are married, write out practical steps you can take to communicate your commitment to your spouse. Perhaps you need to forgive a hurt or be generous in a way your spouse would recognize. What makes your spouse feel loved and appreciated? Pray for insight and ponder ways to show him or her the love that God shows you. Then, go do it.