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Think back to the early days of your relationship with your spouse. Everything you did together seemed romantic, fun, and special. But as you learned more about each other, and eventually settled into a routine, those giddy feelings that marked the beginning stages of love probably turned to something much deeper. You and your spouse moved beyond the "young love" stage and into a more mature, lasting kind of love.

The same needs to be true in your spiritual life. As exciting as newfound faith feels, eventually it must become something more mature. As this passage says, you need to move beyond the questions that marked your faith when it was new and start living as mature Christians so others can learn from you (6:1).

You and your spouse can encourage each other to grow into a mature faith. Think about how the two of you can better serve your community and church. Consider developing a "mission statement" as a couple, focusing on ways you'd like to reach out to others. Share your own moments of spiritual growth with your spouse and encourage him to do the same. Together you can move toward a faith that will grow stronger every day. (See also Galatians 6:1-3; 1 Peter 4:8-11.)

Good Words to Remember:
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection … And this we will do if God permits. Hebrews 6:1, 3

Today's Challenge:
Are you and your spouse in the "first love" or "mature faith" stage? Why? What steps can you take to grow?

Bible Studies on Marriage