Marriage As A Working Partnership
Consider several marriages: (1) D. L. Moody married Emma Revell, a cultured, sweet, Christian who helped prepare him for the great ministry the Lord had for him, then gave him a wonderful family life to help nurture him during his time in ministry (Woodbridge, Great Leaders of the Christian Church, p 340). (2) Gladstone’s Christian faith and joyful marriage to Catherine, by whom he had 8 children, was a source of strength for him (Powell, Triumph of Liberty, p 132). (3) Isabella, Queen of Spain, loved Ferdinand, her husband. They consulted with each other on decisions and acted in unison with one another even if they differed on some matters (Deen, Great Women of the Christian Faith, p 73). (4) Mark Twain’s wife, Livy, his most trusted editor, gave her opinions to him about what subjects his readers would like, ideas for improving his material, what material he shouldn’t publish, and ideas for his lectures (Powell, Triumph of Liberty, p 208).
Some marriages are working partnerships. For instance, this seems to have been true of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26; Rom 16:3). One spouse helps the other succeed more than they could if they were single. They are like a team of oxen working their assigned field together (Mt 19:6, Wuest). Other marriages may provide emotional support and encouragement but little actual working together on a common goal.
Whatever type of marriage we have, let us support each other the best way we are able. After all, if we love our spouse, with whom we are in a like-one-person relationship (Mal 2:14-15, ESV), we will want them to be all they can be and experience His best for their life (Prov 12:4, NBV).
Comforting others is costly but worth it.