Empowerment and Sustenance Through Mutual Support in Marriage
A married couple reaching out to "one another" for help with a struggle can be empowered by Christ and sustained by community in several ways. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God," indicating that even in struggles, God is working for the good of those who love Him. This truth addresses the heart of the couple, reminding them that their struggles are not outside of God's sovereign care. As they turn to one another for help, they are also turning to Christ, who is the ultimate source of their strength and comfort.
The community of believers plays a vital role in sustaining the couple as they navigate their struggles. The Bible teaches that believers are to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), which means that the couple can find support and encouragement from their fellow Christians. This support can take many forms, from prayer and counsel to practical help and emotional support. As the couple receives this support, they are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles and that Christ is working through the community to sustain them.
This truth is particularly significant in the context of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all believers. The couple's struggle is not just their own, but is also a concern for the entire body of Christ. As they reach out to one another and to their community for help, they are living out the biblical principle of interdependence and demonstrating their reliance on Christ and His people. By doing so, they are empowered to persevere in their struggles and to trust in God's sovereign goodness, even in the midst of difficulty.