Let Jehovah Fortify Your Marriage

PUT ON THE NEW PERSONALITY

Because the new personality is "created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty," it is a vital part of a married couple's spiritual fortification.  (Ephesians 4:24) Those who put on this new personality "deaden their body members "as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness." (Read Colossians 3:5, 6) the word "deaden' indicates that we must take strong measures to fight against immoral  fleshly desires.  We will avoid anything that might arouse  in us sexual desire for someone other than our mate.  (Job 31:1) As we conform  our lives to God's will, we learn to "abhor what is wicked" and "cling to what is good." -Romans 12:2, 9. 

The new personality reflects "the image of the One who created it," Jehovah himself.  (Colossians 3:10) What blessings result when husbands and wives fortify their moral defenses by clothing themselves "with the tender affections, of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, patience"! (Colossians 3:12) They also enjoy  greater marital harmony  when they "let the peace of the Christ control  [their] hearts." (Colossians 3:15) How rewarding it is for couples to "have tender affection  for one another"! It gives them pleasure to "take the initiative" in "showing honor to one another." -Romans 12:10.

When asked what qualities contribute to their happy marriage, Sid said:  "Love is the main quality that we've always worked on. And we've also found mildness to be very important."  His wife, Sonja, agrees, and she adds: "Kindness is certainly a vital quality.  And we have also tried to show humility, even though it isn't always easy." 

Next time: Let Jehovah Fortify Your Marriage - MAINTAIN MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015