I read a post, and someone said, “Christianity is more than a doctrine. It’s a lifestyle, or at least it ought to be.” I did not click “like,” because I thought, “Ought to be’ isn’t right”. I know what he meant, but following Christ IS a lifestyle change that’s undeniable! Christ teaches us about marriage, telling the truth, and being gracious to people who offend us. These are not the natural ways of man.

First, the Lord Jesus has given us the only grounds of divorce. He says, “sexual immorality.” “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." vs31-32 The apostle Paul adds abandonment. 1 Corinthians 7:15 - "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace."

We cannot divorce on our terms, no matter how bad things get! We can leave an abusive spouse, but maintain our vows. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - "To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." Marriage is for life, and the Lord Jesus sets the terms. He is both Lord and Master. God raised him from the dead and exalted him. He is the Eternal Son, God manifested in the flesh, the One with the authority.

If we hearken unto him, then it will be well! He will guide us in the good way, and govern us in love. We’ll receive the benefits of his protection: as Lord, he saves us. As Lord, he casts out Satan. As Lord, he forgives our sins. Now, he sits high and exalted, and all who receive him have the Father’s favor and grace to keep his commands. Those who rebel have destruction and wrath, separation from Christ, and the misery of our choices. Psalm 2:12 — "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

Do not be rebellious! Receive your Lord. Psalm 45:10-11 "Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him." He will give you the Spirit and pour his love upon you. He is Lord because God raised him from the dead, after he finished the work of redemption. This is not something that you and I have decided, nor can we deny it! If we receive him as Lord, then he will save us, but he is our Lord and every knee will bow. Philippians 2:10-11 - "so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

There is no regret in following him: it may be difficult, but it is right, and it is worth it.

Secondly, tell the truth. Matthew 5:37 — "Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." We cannot be liars. It is not ours to speak deceitfully. Honor God with your mouth.

Jesus is a truth teller, and we're in his image now! Ephesians 4:24 - "and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Part of his goodness is faithfulness. You've been made like Christ, so walk as he walked. Everything else is sin.

Imagine the damage of lies, the deceitfulness of trickery, and the betrayal of a forked tongue. These things are not godly.

Instead, let us tell the truth to build up others. Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Let us speak faithfully, even to our hurt. A person of integrity is honorable.

Thirdly, be giving and generous. Matthew 5:42 — "Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

We don't hold grudges. “Vengeance is mine,’ says the Lord.”

Let Christ heal your hurt, since forgives your sins. Go to him for strength to love others. Deal wisely, but do everything in love. Put away the bitterness. If someone has wronged you, then turn the other cheek, and keep on loving them. If they have tried your patience, then remember God’s great patience to you! Everyday, he forgives us and cleanses us. If he did not uphold us, we could not stand in peace, even now. Not one thing we have is earned; it is all by grace. The things of this world are gifts, even the ability to attain them. The things not of this world - the true riches - are purchased by Christ’s blood and distributed by sovereign grace. Let us remember God’s great love, as he calls us to love others, and we will be motivated and have strength. Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

The beauty of this new life is likeness to Christ, fellowship with God, and we go about doing good, living as humans ought. It is contrary to our thinking, but we must be born again. It is beyond our strength, so he gives us the Spirit. The gospel is practical in everyday life: it is not only receiving God’s love, but it results in showing it.