I’ve heard many times, from many different sources that marriage is hard and that it takes work. A good, lasting marriage requires dedicated and consistent effort from both parties.

I have found that to be true. But I have actually found it to be true for all relationships. The difference is in the level of commitment. With other relationships, I can walk away if things get hard, instead of putting in the effort needed. With a marriage, walking away is not an option. At least not an easy one, or one that should be taken lightly.

“Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus,” (Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The Bible says that our relationships with other believers should not be taken lightly either. I must commit to the hard work and dedication required to live harmoniously with other believers so that we present a united, welcoming, and loving front to unbelievers. If we are fighting amongst ourselves, how could we ever convince an outsider of our One God’s love? God isn’t fractured; nor should we be.

That is why God promises to provide endurance and encouragement. The endurance is gifted through prayer, allowing us to wake up every day and try again. The encouragement we need is provided through the Bible. In it we can find the harmony we seek. It is the beginning and end of the things we must agree on.

Dear God, thank you for your promise of endurance and encouragement so that I can live in harmony with all your children. I struggle mightily with this. Give me the strength to keep struggling, returning always to your word to direct me back to your truth, leaving behind any personal ideas that are not from you or important to you.