Heavenly Father-in-Law

In Daily Devotional, Family, Marriage by Gary Thomas

Theme of the Week: The Marriage Promise

Bible Verse:  “See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him.” 1 John 3:1, CSB

Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:1-24

During prayer, I sensed God reminding me that Lisa wasn’t just my wife, she was also his daughter, and I was to treat her accordingly. This was a moment of revelation for me. If you want to get on my good side, just be good to one of my kids. Conversely, if you really want to make me angry, pick on one of my kids. I’d much rather you mess with me than with one of my kids.

So when I realized I was married to God’s daughter, everything about how I viewed marriage changed. God feels about my wife—his daughter—in an even holier and more passionate way than I feel about my own daughters. Suddenly, my marriage was no longer about just me and Lisa; it was very much a relationship with a passionately interested third partner. I realized one of my primary forms of worship would be honoring God by taking care of a woman who would always be, in his divine mind, “His little girl.”

We often contemplate the Fatherhood of God, but if you want to change your marriage, spend some time meditating about God as Father-in-Law.

When I disrespect my wife or am condescending toward her, I am courting trouble with her heavenly Father, who feels passionately about her welfare. In a positive sense, when I am actively caring for my wife, loving her, and seeking opportunities to showcase her beauty to others, I am pleasing God on about as high a level as he can be pleased.


Excerpt from A Lifelong Love: How to Have Lasting Intimacy, Friendship, and Purpose in Your Marriage by Gary Thomas. Used with permission.
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About
Gary Thomas
Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and won numerous awards. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.
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Gary Thomas
Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and won numerous awards. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.