Are you married to a genuinely good Christian?
How can you know?
We all stumble from time to time while trying to live out our lives as Christians, and that’s normal. The most important thing is to support each other and help each other grow into the likeness of Christ.
Having a spouse who shares the faith is certainly a helpful source of growth on the path. And it’s especially helpful if they are strong in their faith and a genuinely good Christian.
A good Christian spouse leads by example, living out their faith in tangible ways that inspire others around them. They show compassion towards those in need and seek justice for the oppressed, reflecting God’s heart for humanity.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of these signs, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be married to a genuinely good Christian.
1) They exhibit love in action
The first sign that you’re married to a genuinely good Christian is the observable love they show, not just in words, but in action. This mirrors the Bible’s command in 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
In the context of marriage, this trait manifests in numerous ways. Your spouse may be continually patient and kind, even in challenging situations. They provide comfort during times of sorrow and celebrate your joys and achievements wholeheartedly.
They might often put your needs before their own, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love as depicted in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This active display of love serves as a cornerstone of their character and a clear indication of their genuine Christian faith.
It’s not a love reserved solely for you as their spouse but radiates to others around them as well.
2) A deep commitment to spiritual growth
The second sign of a genuinely good Christian spouse is their unwavering commitment to personal spiritual growth. They are not stagnant in their faith but are continually seeking to grow closer to God and deepen their understanding of His word.
Your spouse might regularly spend time reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in other spiritual practices like fasting or meditation on Scripture. They might also participate in Bible study groups or other faith-based communities, seeking wisdom and fellowship.
But what makes this commitment truly remarkable is that it is not solely a personal endeavor. A genuinely good Christian spouse will also encourage you in your own spiritual journey. They may share insights from their Bible studies, pray with/for you, and engage in meaningful spiritual conversations.
This commitment to spiritual growth is a testament to their dedication to following Christ wholeheartedly. It reflects their longing to know God more intimately and live out His teachings in every aspect of life.
3) A life marked by humility
Moving forward, another vital sign of a truly good Christian spouse is a life marked by humility. Now, this might seem counterintuitive at first, especially in a world that often equates success with assertiveness and self-promotion. But in the kingdom of God, humility holds a place of great importance.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve noticed that genuinely good Christian spouses tend to exhibit humility in their daily lives.
They acknowledge their imperfections and are quick to ask for forgiveness when they’ve wronged others. They also don’t seek to be the center of attention but are content in the background, serving others without expecting recognition.
This humility is rooted in their understanding of the Gospel. They recognize that they are saved by grace, not by their own works, which keeps them grounded. Their humility also allows them to be teachable and open to correction, fostering further growth in their spiritual journey.
This humble demeanor, grounded in Christian teaching, serves as a refreshing reminder of the transformative power of faith in our lives.
4) They lead by example
Have you ever noticed how some people’s actions inspire you to be a better person? A genuinely good Christian spouse is one such person. They lead by example, living out their faith in a way that inspires others, including their partner, to do the same.
Their life is not marked by empty words or promises but by actions that reflect their deep commitment to Christ and His teachings. They strive to embody the virtues mentioned in the Bible – love, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and more.
Their goal isn’t to be seen as perfect or flawless but rather as someone who is earnestly striving to live in alignment with their faith. They understand that they are a ‘work in progress’, continually seeking God’s grace and guidance in their journey of faith.
Did you know? The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” This encapsulates the essence of leading by example in the Christian faith.
5) They practice forgiveness
Another sign you’re married to a genuinely good Christian is their readiness to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 instructs, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This characteristic is critical in a marriage where disagreements and conflicts are inevitable.
A genuinely good Christian spouse understands the value of forgiveness, not just as a biblical principle but as a necessary practice in maintaining a healthy and loving relationship. They don’t hold grudges or keep a record of wrongs but choose to forgive and move forward.
To better understand the importance of this trait, consider the following points:
- Forgiveness fosters healing and reconciliation.
- It reduces resentment and bitterness.
- It reflects God’s unconditional love and mercy.
Their readiness to forgive is not a sign of weakness but rather a reflection of their understanding of God’s forgiveness toward us. This trait significantly contributes to the strength and resilience of your marital bond.
6) They uphold the sanctity of marriage
Let’s be clear: a genuinely good Christian spouse recognizes and upholds the sanctity of marriage. They understand that marriage is not just a legal or social contract, but a sacred covenant made before God.
In my observation, such spouses view their marital relationship as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:22-33. They commit to loving, honoring, and respecting their partner, just as Christ loves and cherishes the Church.
They also strive to keep their marriage pure and free from infidelity, adhering to the biblical command in Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure…”
Furthermore, they work tirelessly to maintain unity and peace in their relationship, understanding that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). They are willing to compromise and sacrifice for the sake of harmony in their marriage.
This commitment to preserving the sanctity of marriage is a distinct sign of a genuinely good Christian spouse.
It displays their respect for God’s design of marriage and their dedication to fulfilling their marital roles according to biblical principles.
7) They serve others selflessly
Imagine this: You see your spouse giving up their free time to help a neighbor in need, or perhaps they’re the first to volunteer when your local church organizes a charity event.
These acts of service aren’t performed for recognition or praise. Instead, they’re driven by a genuine desire to help others, reflecting Christ’s call to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
This selfless service is another clear sign of a genuinely good Christian spouse.
They carry out acts of kindness, big or small, without any expectation of reciprocation. They understand that serving others is an integral part of their faith journey, as emphasized in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This trait is not just admirable but also inspiring. It motivates those around them to also serve others and make a positive difference in their communities. In essence, their selflessness mirrors the love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry.
A genuinely good Christian spouse
It’s clear that being married to a genuinely good Christian goes beyond surface-level observations. It’s about being in a relationship with someone who strives to live out their faith daily, impacting not just their own life but also the lives of others around them.
They embody the teachings of Christ and strive to cultivate a character and lifestyle that mirrors His. They are committed to spiritual growth, uphold the sanctity of marriage, practice forgiveness, serve others selflessly, and lead by example.
These signs are not exhaustive but provide a solid foundation for understanding what it means to be married to a genuinely good Christian.
They serve as guideposts, illuminating the path of faith your spouse is walking on.
Each sign is a testament to their devotion to God, their commitment to you as their spouse, and their desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. Let these signs inspire your own faith journey as you continue growing together in love and faith.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
