God’s way to a successful marriage focuses on what husbands and wives put into it, not on what they can get out of it. – John MacArthur

During Communist rule the Soviet state tried to stamp out Christianity and convert everyone to atheism. A popular Russian comedian developed a stage act where he played a drunken Orthodox priest. Part of his performance was to chant the Beatitudes, but he distorted the words—such as “blessed are they who hunger and thirst for vodka,” mocking them. He’d been rewarded by the authorities for his work in promoting atheism and in making Christianity seem silly. On one occasion things didn’t go as planned. Instead of his garbled version of the Beatitudes, he chanted the sentences as they’re actually sung in a Liturgy. His attention was focused not on the audience but on the life-giving words coming from Scripture, words he’d learned as a child. He listened to the words, and something happened in his heart. After singing the final Beatitude, he fell on his knees weeping. He had to be led from the stage to never again mock worship. God used His Word in the power of the Beatitudes to transform his life.

This morning we’re finishing Vote King Jesus and our study of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are an invitation to a radically different way of life. They’re a request to abandon the natural responses of life to live by a unique set of values. Living this way changes everything. Applied to our lives, they can transform even our closest relationship – our marriage. Since God designed marriage and desires it to bring Him glory, it only makes sense that these characteristics define a healthy marriage.

We live in an upside-down world, but the kingdom of heaven is right side up. It comes first to our heart and then works out into our world. It doesn’t typically spread through mass communication but through the relationship of one person to another. God transforms our attitudes before our actions. So, how does this work out in our marriage? 

Blessed are the poor in spirit.Understanding our spiritual bankruptcy before God, we attack the great enemy of a healthy marriage—pride. Each recognizes the wretched state from which Jesus rescued them and is grateful to be redeemed. The outcome is that with a humble heart we abandon pride, replacing it with gratitude. Each sees their spouse as God’s perfect provision and know they’re unworthy of such a gift, cherishing their spouse.  

Blessed are those who mourn. We are broken over the sin in our own life. When we do sin, we’re quick to confess it. Painfully aware of the repercussions of our actions, each spouse asks, “What have I done, said, or thought that would displease God or my mate?” As a result, we are more merciful toward our mate and don’t judge or hold grudges. Each knows that like themselves, their spouse struggles with sin. 

Blessed are the meek. As a spouse, we put the other first. We seek to serve rather than be served. He/She doesn’t push their own agenda but trusts God for outcomes. They allow others to honor them and are not self-seeking of honor. We don’t retaliate and are longsuffering. We’re quick to listen, slow to speak and seek to avoid unnecessary conflict. We are more concerned about hearing the heart of his wife or her husband than winning an argument or proving we are right. We understand that God is in charge of every situation and has faith that everything will work out for good.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Every couple periodically fights. Either we will fight together, or we fight each other. Having a common desire is vital for a healthy marriage. We were created to strive toward godliness. Having tasted God’s grace, we want to live in response to what He’s done for us. It’s a hunger and thirst not for money, power, or fame but for righteousness that leads to God’s blessing.

Blessed are the merciful. The married partners have seen the harm of an unforgiving attitude. They realize mercy not only embraces forgiveness for the guilty, but also compassion for the suffering and needy. They know the high-cost Christ paid to provide personal forgiveness and avoid sitting in judgment over anyone, especially their spouse. The marital result are believers who each understand the magnitude of their own sin and will be understanding of failure in their spouse. A person quick to ask for forgiveness and to forgive brings incredible blessing to the marriage. Forgiveness heals, gives hope and breeds renewed faith. 

Blessed are the pure in heart. God doesn’t want us to look pure on the outside without being clean on the inside. Bitterness, immorality, and deceitfulness can’t coexist with a sincere devotion to Christ. Internal purity produces more outward commitment. They refuse to crush a partner with a double standard. Their standard is the righteousness of Christ: “What would Jesus do in this situation?” They can be trusted, both publicly and privately, to do what’s right. There’s no hypocrisy in this marriage.

Blessed are the peacemakers. Ours is a world that divides and conquers. God’s blessings come to those who can unite and advance. Peacemaking is essential for the couple who want a fulfilling marriage. Each spouse seeks to make peace whenever possible. They are willing to suffer by setting aside rights and ego even when wronged. Each understands that harmony in the relationship is more important than being right and they avoid conflict and reduce tension whenever possible. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. Success doesn’t come easily. As we live out a biblical ethic, we’ll rub others the wrong way and often confuse them. They can feel judged because we live differently. A godly couple sees trials and even persecution as an opportunity to mature spiritually. They don’t give up in the face of adversity. It is not easy to trust God when we’re going through trials. It’s even more difficult to suffer unjustly and be persecuted. Fortunate is the spouse who is married to a person who applies God’s Word, even in the worst situation. They seek to always direct the other to the sovereignty and grace of a loving God. They look forward to seeing how God will use the trial in their family to bring glory to Jesus Christ.

The best marriages should be those of Christ-followers. As we cultivate the Beatitudes in our lives and marriages, we’ll grow spiritually and receive the blessings and joy that God wants to give us. God wants us to be blessed and experience His Kingdom now and forever!