A couple faced a tough test when the wife became wheelchair-bound after an accident. The husband left his job to care for her, starting a flexible business instead. He’d wheel her around, putting her needs first. When asked why, he said, “My wife sacrificed for me, now it’s my turn to support her.” That’s what marriage and sacrifice look like.
Friend, marriage is about sacrifice. If you are not ready to make sacrifices, don’t marry (Malachi 2:14-16). Once you marry, you have lost the right to live for yourself alone. Your decisions must be such as would benefit your marriage and spouse. Selfishness has destroyed many marriages than the devil has (Galatians 5:13-15).
Spouses who sacrifice for each other have sown seeds of unending harvests in their future (Genesis 8:22). Spouses would either be beneficiaries or victims of the sacrifices they made or failed to make. If you don’t labour for the marriage, you have no right to enjoy in the marriage (Proverbs 31:31).
Sacrifices in marriage must be mutual (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). A marriage in which only one partner sacrifices for the other is not a good one. The idea that only the woman should sacrifice for the man is not correct. Both spouses should sacrifice for each other when necessary (Ephesians 5:21).
One reason singles should marry right is so they won’t sacrifice for the wrong person; someone who would jilt them (Proverbs 18:22). Cases like this abound. This is why the message of sacrifice in marriage is fading away. Nonetheless, sacrifices are what make marriage to work (Ephesians 5:21-34).
If you have a spouse who gave their all to make you what you are, reward them bountifully (Proverbs 31:10-31). Don’t take them for granted. That’s how to sustain the blessing of God on your life. Above all, spouses should see God as their ultimate rewarder. Put your faith and focus on God. He never fails (Hebrews 6:10).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria