Do you have a fierce marriage?
Authors Ryan and Selena Frederick describe a “fierce marriage” as radically pursuing each other in light of Christ’s relentless love.
They experienced the truth of that idea firsthand two years into their marriage. After taking jobs in Switzerland, Ryan developed a persistent cough he dismissed as the flu. Doctors gave him antibiotics and painkillers and told him to return for a checkup in a few days. His health soon took a terrible turn for the worst, and he was diagnosed with a congenital defect called endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of his heart chambers. Ryan’s situation was so dire that doctors encouraged him and Selena to draft a will and think through end-of-life choices.
In the midst of crisis, what is your bedrock? What framework of beliefs will draw you together instead of pushing you apart?
A fierce marriage is a covenantal marriage. In contrast to a contractual marriage – which focuses on individual rights and creates a way out if either person fails to hold up their end of the deal – a covenantal marriage treats couples as one, bonding them together through sickness and health, for better or worse.
A contract says, “I’ll only go as far as you go. If you mess up, I’m out.” A covenant says, “Even if you don’t hold up your end of the deal, I’ll hold up mine.”
Marriage and the family are God’s institution for helping us learn and grow. Not only is your relationship with Jesus a means to a better marriage, but your marriage is also a means to a better relationship with Jesus.
We’re exploring God’s purpose for your marriage on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Centering Your Marriage on Christ.” Ryan and Selena Frederick are with us to discuss how couples can strengthen their relationship by pursuing each other in Christ within the covenant of marriage.
Tune in on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.
Ryan and Selena Frederick’s book Fierce Marriage: Radically Pursuing Each Other In Light Of Christ’s Relentless Love is available for a gift of any amount. Click here for details.
