Before embracing our faith, our search for fulfillment often led us into the tangled web of fleshly struggles, as described in Galatians 5:19-21 and James 1:14-15. However, the transformation that follows redemption is truly remarkable. Our motivations have shifted dramatically: now, our pursuit of fulfillment is inspired and guided by Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This longing to fulfill distinguishes us from cultural Christians and unbelievers.

Through His truth, Jesus liberates us, directing us toward a renewed sense of self. With this new identity, we find genuine joy in meeting the needs of others. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we flourish in the unique roles we play within our relationships. This is a beautiful transformation—moving from self-centered desires to uplifting others, reflecting the essence of love and service.

This change is wonderfully illustrated by the characteristics of the Holy Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. When He truly dwells within us, these qualities become our compass, guiding us to uplift and empower those around us. Join me on this devotional journey as we explore what it truly means to be agents of fulfillment in one another’s lives.

To Complete

In the Old Testament, fulfillment is primarily expressed through the Hebrew words “mala,” meaning “fulfill, accomplish,” and “kala,” meaning “be finished, completed.” The term “qum (Wq)” also conveys accomplishment (Harrison, n.d). These words often refer to God bringing His promises to fruition, particularly in prophetic contexts. In the New Testament, Greek terms for fulfillment include “pleroo,” meaning “to fill,” and “teleo,” meaning “to complete.” During Jesus Christ’s time, Jews expected the Messiah to lead them against the Romans. Peter initially viewed the Messiah as a national leader (Mark 8:32-33), but it was only after the resurrection that he came to understand Christ’s proper messianic role (Harrison, n.d). 

In the Christian faith, the notion of fulfillment is intricately tied to a relationship with Jesus Christ. According to Ephesians 1:9-10, our ultimate fulfillment is not found in earthly pursuits or achievements but through the divine plan that God has instituted in Christ. This passage emphasizes that understanding and embracing this fulfillment is essential for spiritual growth and development.

Furthermore, Philippians 1:6 reassures believers that the work God has begun in them will be brought to completion (fulfillment). This highlights the transformative journey of faith; it is through Christ’s righteousness that we are made whole, and this journey continues as we maintain our faith in Him.

Philippians 3:7-11 further expounds the idea of continual faith, where the Apostle Paul expresses that all things considered gain in life are ultimately worthless compared to the knowledge of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of pressing forward in faith, seeking to know Christ more deeply, and experiencing the power of His resurrection. This ongoing relationship with Christ not only assures believers of their salvation but also shapes their character and purpose in life. Thus, fulfillment in the Christian context is a dynamic, ongoing process grounded in faith, righteousness, and an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Courtship and Marriage as Our Guide

As a pastor, I often reflect on the complexities that arise when two people join in marriage, and determining much about our values during the courtship stage can be very helpful with said intricacies. The journey can certainly be challenging. What fuels these struggles, and why can they lead to contention, even possible divorce, in relationships that God has so beautifully ordained and commanded us to uphold? I will use marriage as our framework for exploration, since much of what we learn in marriage applies to all our relationships. Whether you are currently navigating marriage or looking forward to it with hope as a single person, this reflection aims to illuminate the path ahead.

Spiritual Implications

In examining the connotations of Matthew 19:4-6 for marriage, we find a profound directive from Jesus. He emphasizes that in the union of marriage, two individuals become one, not just physically but also spiritually and emotionally. This unity is not merely a guideline but a benchmark that calls for adherence and respect. The essence of this teaching highlights the importance of commitment and fidelity in a marital relationship, suggesting that both partners should strive towards a harmonious existence that reflects their spiritual bond. This perspective does not begin with the conventional notion of relationships as primarily based on cultural practices or the physical aspect, such as being bound together solely by romantic or sexual involvement. Instead, it focuses on the deeper process of two individuals coming together with the intent to genuinely understand and embrace each other’s core values, beliefs, and guiding principles. This approach fosters a strong foundation built on mutual respect, purpose, and alignment with what they each hold meaningful. Such a framework not only applies to romantic relationships but is equally significant in the context of friendships. When both individuals strive to prioritize and pursue what God values—according to their shared faith—they can develop an even more profound sense of closeness and trust than might occur with their own biological family members. This concept is illustrated in Proverbs 18:24, which teaches that there are friends who stick closer than a brother, emphasizing the potential for spiritual or value-based bonds to surpass familial ties in strength.

The Apostle Paul’s writings in Colossians provide further insight into how couples can cultivate this unity. Colossians 3:16, particularly in the Amplified Version (Classic Edition), urges believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly within their hearts and minds. This instruction is significant for those in marital relationships, as it underscores the necessity of allowing scriptural teachings to shape one’s thoughts and actions. The verse emphasizes the importance of mutual teaching, admonishment, and training in wisdom, suggesting that spouses should encourage and uplift one another in their spiritual journeys by fulfilling or completing one another.

Furthermore, the call to engage in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs serves as a reminder that worship and gratitude should permeate the marital relationship. By fostering an environment where God’s grace is acknowledged and celebrated, couples can deepen their connection and align more closely with divine intentions for their union.

Ultimately, if individuals fail to allow the word of God to guide their actions and decisions within the context of marriage, one or both risks straying from the path of spiritual harmony. This absence of alignment will promote a lack of fulfillment and discord, not only between spouses but also in their relationship with God. Therefore, embracing these biblical principles is essential for nurturing a fulfilling and God-centered marriage (Colossians 3:17; AMPC). 

In the context of Christian marriage, there are defined roles and responsibilities for both husbands and wives that are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The scripture emphasizes that husbands are called to love their wives with an unconditional love known as agape (Strong’s #25: agapao). This type of love is characterized by selflessness, commitment, and a desire for the well-being of the spouse. It is a love that mirrors the love Christ has for the Church, highlighting the importance of purity and objectivity in the husband’s affections.

On the other hand, the role of wives in marriage is described as one of subordination and adaptation to their husbands. This does not imply inferiority but rather denotes a mutual respect and recognition of the husband’s role as the spiritual leader of the family. The biblical text, particularly in Colossians 3:18 (AMPC), instructs wives to “be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord.” This submission is rooted in a context of love and mutual support, where the wife yields to her husband’s guidance while remaining faithful to God’s commandments.

The concept of adapting in this biblical framework refers to a wife's ability to adjust her behavior, thoughts, or circumstances in a manner that upholds the values of their shared faith, especially in response to the dynamic nature of marriage (Proverbs 10:10-31). This adaptability is not merely about compliance but is also about fostering a harmonious relationship that encourages spiritual growth and stability within the family.

Moreover, the scriptural exhortation to husbands continues with Colossians 3:19 (AMPC), which calls on them to “love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.” This verse underscores the need for husbands to exhibit gentleness and understanding in their interactions, creating an environment where love thrives and both partners can fulfill their roles effectively. It encourages husbands to be sensitive to their wives’ emotional and spiritual needs, thereby reinforcing the bond of marriage as a relationship rooted in love, respect, and shared faith.

Lack of Fulfillment Due to Cultural Aspects of Relationships

The debate between feminism and the red-pill movement highlights contrasting views on male-female relationships today. Feminism advocates for gender equality and challenges traditional roles, while the red-pill community critiques modern feminism for undermining masculinity. This ongoing discourse diverges from biblical principles, which emphasize a moral foundation for relationships, as seen in Genesis 2:24, where marriage is a sacred union designed for mutual support. The absence of a robust ethical framework based upon the Word of God, in the ongoing debate about relationships, raises significant concerns regarding the efficacy of both movements in cultivating healthy interpersonal connections, which bring fulfillment. This situation underscores an urgent need to reconcile contemporary relationship dynamics with traditional biblical teachings.

Even when two individuals align based on a culturally conceptualized version of relationships, many struggle to maintain a successful relationship due to a lack of moral adherence rooted in Christ’s teachings. This deficiency in moral attributes, which are essential according to the Word of God, contributes to the challenges faced within both courtships and marriages.

Moreover, this lack of foundational morality not only affects romantic relationships; it also permeates familial structures, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment among children. Children raised in environments devoid of these moral principles often miss out on essential life lessons and guidance that promote emotional and spiritual growth, ultimately impacting their future relationships. Therefore, it is imperative to re-establish a moral compass based on biblical teachings to foster fulfilling and sustainable relationships in both romantic and familial contexts.       

Lastly, my understanding of single parents is grounded in personal experience, as I was a single parent myself for a significant period. During that time, I faced the profound challenge of ensuring that my children received the emotional and moral support they needed in a less-than-ideal situation. It is vital to recognize that children depend on their parents not only for basic needs but also for moral guidance that shapes their character and future.

As caregivers, we have the responsibility to teach and admonish our children, nurturing them so they can thrive in their spiritual journey and in the essential aspects of life that require a strong moral compass. This nurturing process begins with instilling fundamental moral values and life skills that will guide them as they transition into adulthood.

Proverbs 22:6 (AMPC) emphasizes this imperative: “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse emphasizes the importance of personalized guidance, recognizing each child’s unique talents and inclinations. By nurturing these individual strengths, we prepare them not only for personal success but to make meaningful, positive contributions to society.

Moreover, teaching them to emulate our values should be a cornerstone of our parenting approach. As we strive to embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, we set an example that our children can follow. This principle is encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 11:1, which the apostle exhorts, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” As Christians, by doing so, we provide them with a robust framework for navigating life’s challenges, instilling in them the importance of moral integrity and resilience. 

Conclusion

This week, let’s dive into an inspiring challenge: how can you truly fulfill your role in the relationships around you? While we’ve primarily discussed this in a familial context, the idea extends far beyond that! Think about every relationship in your life where you can shine as a guiding light, just as Jesus encourages us in Matthew 5:14-16.

By focusing on fulfilling others, you’re not just serving them—you’re embodying love in action, just as God desires. Every small act of kindness and support can create ripples of positivity and demonstrate Christ. So, what steps can you take to uplift those around you? Let’s explore how we can all become better examples for one another! 

Harrison, R.K. (n.d). Fulfillment. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/fulfillment/#google_vignette

Have a blessed week!

Pastor Anthony