September 1: Rooted in Love, Built to Last - Part One

Theme: Marriage on Christ’s Foundation

Sharon Campbell-Danvers
North Side SDA Church 

Marriages should be rooted in love and built to last. But what is this really saying to us?
In and of itself, marriage can be rooted in love and built to last. Still, it requires intentional effort, patience, understanding, and, most importantly, a Christ-centered foundation for any marriage relationship to truly thrive.

According to Ephesians 3:17:
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love..."
The only way our relationship can be rooted and grounded in love is by allowing Christ, through faith, to dwell in our hearts. Relationships are faith-based, and it takes a personal relationship with Jesus for couples to truly understand each other and strengthen their bond.

Marriage is Like Building a House

You prepare the blueprint, secure the necessary materials, save up money, hire a contractor, and coordinate with the workers. Similarly, building a relationship takes planning, effort, partnership, and persistence. The key contractor for any marriage is Jesus Christ Himself. He promises to supply everything we need for our relationships to thrive.

For our marriages to be firmly grounded, we must understand the purpose for which we got married. If we marry for the right reasons, we will be more willing to do what it takes, in the Lord, to make our marriages work.

You don't lay a foundation for a building only to knock it down every time things get tough.
Likewise, we must not tear down our marriages every time we face difficulty.

Marriage Isn't Always Easy

When I got married, I struggled for years, and if you ask me, I’m still struggling, but my heart is set on making this relationship work. Every time I face a marriage-breaking situation, I look at the bigger picture.
I truly believe that God gave me the husband I have for a reason.

Recently, he left home for a while, and my ten-year-old son said,
"Dad needs to hurry and come back."
I asked him why, and he answered,
"Because only Dad can manage you!"

God gives us exactly what we need, but sometimes we focus so much on what we think we’re lacking that we uproot the very relationships God planted to help us grow stronger in Him.

Love Must Be Genuine and Lasting

“True love is not merely a feeling. It is a principle which is deeply rooted and enduring.”
— Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 50

True love must be rooted in Christ,  not based on fleeting emotions but founded on principles: patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, humility, and prayer.
When love is treated as a divine principle, marriages not only survive but also thrive, becoming a testament to God's faithfulness.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and the blessing of companionship.
Teach us to love, to forgive, to serve, and to endure, just as Christ loves us.
When storms come, remind us that we are not building alone. You are with us.
Make our marriages a reflection of Your faithful, everlasting love.

In Jesus' name, Amen.