“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” ( Hebrews 13:4 )

God created marriage. In fact, marriage existed in the perfect paradise of the garden. It was instituted from the very beginning to bless us. Paul gives further insight into this wonderful covenant in the book of Ephesians. The main point for his encouragement on marriage is to illustrate the type of relationship that we have with Christ as His bride. He uses the relationship between a husband and wife so we can understand the intimacy that we can experience with the Lord.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. ( Ephesians 5:31-31 ).

When we are united with Christ we become one with him. We are his bride, we are his wife. We belong to Him. This truly is a profound mystery! Which is why we must continually honor our earthly marriages as well, because they are also holy unions. It is a covenant relationship which means that God blesses it and puts His stamp of approval on it. We are to take this commitment very seriously and honor it above all. We should remain faithful to our spouses in both word and deed.

God considers marriage especially dear and holds it in high esteem which is why He blesses this union with children through intimacy. So we too must consider this relationship worthy of great price and continually honor and nurture it. Next to our relationship with God we must honor our marriage above all.

Paul gives further insight on how to do this, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” ( Ephesians 5:33 ). Love and respect is the secret to experiencing a happy marriage. Amazingly this attitude will also overflow and bless your union with the Lord as well. Marriage is a great illustration of our relationship with the Lord which is why it is to be greatly honored above all else.

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering" ( Hebrews 13:3 )

All over the world intense persecution happens because of Christ. Jesus himself said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). He did not want us to be unprepared that bearing His name will bring trouble, persecution and hardship.

Just as in the days of the apostles all over the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are locked up and tortured because they stand for Him. Many bear death sentences simply because they follow Christ. Many risk their lives and their families to meet, read a Bible if they can get one and encourage one another. Women are burned in the streets, men are locked up in prison and children suffer atrocities at the hands of others.

What should our godly response be? We need to stand together with these precious people praying for their strength and endurance. We need to give our resources when opportunities arise. We need to unite our voice together in outrage at their treatment demanding change! We need to bear with their suffering as if it was us that were suffering. The church needs to act on their behalf.

These are the people who will stand before the Throne of God crying out for the Lamb to avenge their blood ( Revelation 6:9-11 ). They are given a long flowing and festive robe to wear honoring them for their sacrifice and asked to wait a little longer until the full number comes in ( Revelation 6:11 Amp ). This scene from scripture is very powerful, these individuals are very precious in the sight of the Lord. So we too must remember their suffering and act with conviction for those who cannot act for themselves.

How can believers unite and make a difference? Voice of the Martyrs is the best place to start. VOM speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. They not only provide real-time information for the church to understand what is going on, they respond to situations offering prayer, resources and encouragement. They have several opportunities to give which include, supplies, Bibles to captive nations, support for families whose loved ones are imprisoned or have been martyred, ministry supplies, medical resources among other highly needed things. They have a long history of caring for the persecuted Church throughout the world.

Start by visiting their newsroom to read stories that are currently taking place around the globe.

I encourage you to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer tremendously because they bear the blessed name of our savior. Remember to pray and stand with them knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and will in the end right every wrong! Amen!