“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
Reflection
At the heart of Christian faith is the call to love God above all else. Exodus 20:3, the first of the Ten Commandments, clearly instructs us not to place any person, possession, or priority above God. In the context of marriage, this can be a challenging command. Our spouses are often the closest people to us—partners in life, confidants, and companions. It’s natural to cherish them deeply, to desire their happiness, and to seek unity in every aspect of life. Yet, Scripture reminds us that even the most cherished relationship must not take precedence over our devotion to God.
Loving God more than our spouse is not about loving our spouse less. Instead, it is about recognizing that our deepest source of love, purpose, and fulfillment comes from God alone. When we put God first, every other relationship—including marriage—is blessed and strengthened. God’s love empowers us to love our spouse more faithfully, selflessly, and graciously. Placing God at the center of our lives and marriage provides an unshakable foundation, especially when challenges arise or when human love feels insufficient.
This commandment also serves as a safeguard against idolatry. Idolatry is not limited to statues or rituals; it can be anything that rivals God’s place in our hearts. Sometimes, we may unintentionally elevate our spouse to a position that only God should hold, expecting them to meet needs that only He can fulfill. This can lead to disappointment, frustration, and strain in the relationship. By loving God first, we acknowledge our need for His wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love, and we free our spouse from unrealistic expectations.
Prioritizing God is an ongoing journey. There are seasons when it is easy, and others when it feels difficult—especially when life is busy or when conflicts arise. The blessings of loving God first are profound: greater peace, deeper intimacy, and a marriage that reflects God’s glory. As we continually seek Him, He transforms our hearts and teaches us how to love each other well.
Personal Application
Putting God above your spouse starts with intentional decisions and daily habits. Begin each day by seeking God—through prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. Invite Him into your marriage, asking for His guidance in your conversations, decisions, and responses. Make time for spiritual practices together as a couple, such as praying for each other, attending church, and discussing your faith journeys. Allow God’s truth to shape how you handle conflict, express love, and pursue unity.
Be mindful of moments when your spouse’s opinions or desires might overshadow God’s direction. Pause and ask yourself if you are seeking God’s will above all. When you face disagreements, turn to God first, asking for wisdom and humility. Encourage your spouse to pursue their relationship with God, and celebrate their spiritual growth. Remember, your marriage is a gift, but it is not your ultimate source of life or identity—God alone is.
Above all, trust that loving God first will enrich your marriage. As you surrender your heart and relationship to Him, He will guide you, strengthen your bond, and fill you with love that endures every season.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- Are there areas in your marriage where you have unintentionally placed your spouse’s desires or opinions above God’s guidance?
- What daily habits can help you prioritize your relationship with God over every other aspect of life, including your marriage?
- How might loving God first change the way you handle conflict or disappointment in your marriage?
- What steps can you take to encourage your spouse’s spiritual growth and keep God at the center of your relationship?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and for the love we share with our spouse. Help us to honor You above all, placing You at the center of our hearts and our relationship. Teach us to seek Your will daily, to trust Your wisdom, and to love each other with the grace and strength that comes from You. Guard our hearts from anything that would take Your place, and guide us into deeper devotion. May our marriage reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
***The Ten Commandments of Christian Marriage Devotions are not intended to serve as definitive commandments on marriage; rather, they should be regarded as constructive guidelines founded upon biblical principles, designed to safeguard and strengthen your marriage and its enduring legacy.***
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