Sacrifice is possible in an atmosphere of love. A marriage relationship could go through hard times and may even come to an end due to a couple’s unwillingness to make sacrifices. Sacrifice in this context is not an act of slaughtering an animal or a person to surrender as an offering to God. In the old testament of the Bible, sacrifices were categorized into two: 1. Unbloody sacrifices such as first-fruits and tithes, meat and drink-offerings, and burning incense. 2. Bloody sacrifices such as burnt-offerings, peace-offerings, and sin/trespass offerings. Bloody sacrifices require the killing of animals.
I have outlined below three ways sacrifice in a love/marriage relationship can be demonstrated.
3 Ways to Practice Sacrifice in your Marriage
1. Through yielding yourself for the best outcome in humility
Your ability to know when to yield for peace’s sake in your relationship determines the level of your maturity. Yielding could be the simple “I am sorry” even when you know you’re right. This act of humility could be a turning point in your home that defeats the stronghold of pride and satanic operations in your home.
My pastor will always ask this simple question, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be blessed?” I have come to know from experience that a fight between couples has no trophy for the winner; instead, both will lose more grounds to fight against the real enemy, whose mission is to destroy godly homes. Giving humility a chance in your life is a sure way of effecting change in your spouse’s life. 1 Corinthians 6:7
2. Interceding for your spouse in prayer
The power of prayer cannot be overemphasized. While growing up, my father would always say that prayer is the master key to all doors, especially in difficult times. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”. Prayer is also a way to remind ourselves that we are not in total control. I will like to point out a few things that fervent prayer can do in our lives and marriages:
(a)ALL things become possible.
(b) We become better and changed despite the situation.
(c)We become practitioners of patience.
(d)We gain access to peace amid turbulence.
(e) Prayer reveals secrets. You can receive a lifetime instruction that will guide you in your marriage and destiny in the act of praying.
3. Love selflessly
Selfless love is one way you can practice sacrifice for your spouse. Whenever a relationship is focused on how much you have gained or lost, it is evidence of non-partnership, leading to distrust and strife in the home. Learning to give without restrictions will help the relationship to blossom in trust. It would also enhance friendliness, care, healthy emotional connections, and speedy healing of hurt.
It is not just how much my spouse is willing to spend on me, but how much of myself I am willing to offer. Giving gifts is very important in a relationship, but it is not as vital as you give yourself. Giving may not always be convenient, but it is possible. A true gift is not measured by how much it cost but by the giver’s heart.
May we pattern our lives after Jesus Christ, our Lord, as we continue to demonstrate selfless love in our relationships.
Please don’t go after your partner’s pocket to the ladies, but get familiar with ways to capture his heart. To the men, please don’t selfishly focus on you and yourself. Treat her nicely, make her know that you care even if it requires that you wash the toilet sometimes or do the dishes. I promise you, when you do, All things will be yours, including paradise in your homes!
Martin
