Spiritual Connection – Connection Impact

What is spiritual connection in marriage?
In a Christian marriage, spiritual connection is about more than shared beliefs – it serves as a sacred thread that ties your hearts to one another and God. It’s a bond rooted in Christ, shaped by a common faith, and strengthened through intentional actions.
A spiritual connection between spouses reflects God’s divine plan for unity, love, and holiness in marriage, where God is at the centre of your relationship. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three stands is not quickly broken”. Such a connection enhances trust, resilience, and purpose within marriage.

The key foundations of spiritual connection
Shared faith and values: Spiritual intimacy is built on a mutual belief in the only living God and shared values, such as unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace. When your common purpose is to glorify God, it provides direction and stability to your relationship.
Respect for your individual journeys: Even though you are united in Christ, you will each grow spiritually at your own pace. Honouring each other’s walks with God fosters patience, empathy, and maturity (Romans 14:1).
Open communication: Sharing the ups and downs of your spiritual life – your struggles and doubts, as well as your growth and victories – is vital to a meaningful spiritual connection. Being completely transparent with one another invites deeper understanding and support (James 5:16).
A sense of unity in Christ: When you pursue God together, a unique unity forms – one that binds your hearts on a spiritual level (Philippians 2:2).

How to build or strengthen your spiritual connection
Start with yourself: Cultivate your own spiritual growth before expecting it from your partner (Matthew 6:33). If you are spiritually healthy, you can provide better support and encouragement to your partner.
Keep the communication lines open: Make time regularly to talk about your beliefs, doubts, and how God is working in your life.
Engage in shared spiritual practices: Pray together, read Scripture, worship, and serve others.
Serve one another: Serve one another selflessly in your everyday routine, reflecting Christ’s love (Galatians 5:13).
Love one another unconditionally: Embrace each other’s flaws and forgive one another as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13). This creates a sense of security and strengthens your emotional and spiritual bond.

What are the fruits of a spiritual connection?
A deep emotional bond: You can sense your partner’s needs and emotions without them telling you about it, showing deep emotional and spiritual insight.
Connection beyond words: When you spend time together in silence, it isn’t awkward but comforting. True spiritual connection exists in the quiet moments – a shared look during worship, praying together in silence, or simply being in each other’s presence.
Joy and security: You experience a deep, lasting joy in your relationship, irrespective of your circumstances. (John 15:11).
Strength in tough times: You find it much easier and natural to support each other through trails, because you know you’re part of something bigger than yourselves (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Desire for more time together: You long to spend more time together – even if it’s not physically being together – because every shared moment and interaction feels meaningful.

Look out for these obstacles
Misaligned spiritual priorities: Sometimes one spouse may be more spiritually engaged or committed than the other. This can lead to tension, disappointment, or even distance in the relationship.
Spiritual busyness without intimacy: It’s possible to be busy with spiritual activities, such as attending church events, serving, even praying together, without truly connecting spiritually.
Avoiding vulnerability in faith conversations: Talking openly about your faith, doubts, and spiritual struggles can be uncomfortable, even between spouses. Not being willing to open up can block emotional and spiritual intimacy.

Challenges for couples:
Weekly Faith Check-In
Challenge: Set aside 30 minutes each week to talk openly about your spiritual life.
Purpose: Share what God is teaching you, any struggles you’re facing, and how your partner can pray for you.
Bonus Tip: End with a short prayer for each other.
Pray Together for 7 Days
Challenge: Commit to praying together every day for one week – even if it’s just for 2 – 5 minutes.
Purpose: Builds spiritual intimacy and invites God into daily life.
Bonus Tip: Try different types of prayer – silent, spoken, or written.
Serve Together
Challenge: Choose one way to serve others together this month – through your church, a local charity, or simply helping someone in need.
Purpose: Shared services deepen unity and help you live out your faith as a team.
Bonus Tip: Reflect afterwards on how the experience impacted your relationship.

Questions to think and talk about:
1. What does it mean to have a Christ-centered marriage? What can you do together to ensure Christ remains at the centre of your relationship?
2. What challenges can hinder your spiritual connection?
3. What are some practical ways in which you can grow spiritually as a couple? For example, how can studying Scripture together strengthen your marriage?