Let Scripture Change the Habit of Thought
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 KJV
A marriage can absorb its expectations from whatever voices are heard most often. Entertainment, relatives, social media, and past experience may shape our assumptions before we realize that we have accepted them.
Bring those assumptions before Scripture. Consider what you believe about success, authority, money, forgiveness, and the value of a person. A familiar idea is not necessarily a biblical one.
Renewal involves patient attention to truth and practical obedience. Read in context, seek sound teaching, and remain willing to revise a habit of thought. Do not use the verse to claim that your preference is automatically God's will for your spouse.
Transformation should become visible in conduct. A changed view of people can produce more respectful speech. A clearer understanding of grace can reduce scorekeeping. A wiser view of possessions can make generosity easier. Christ is Lord over the mind as well as the outward action. Let His Word shape the expectations you bring into the shared life, so that the marriage is governed by truth rather than by whichever voice has been speaking most loudly this week.
Keep the passage in context
Paul calls believers away from conformity to the world and toward transformation through the renewing of the mind. God's will is discerned within a life yielded to Him.
Read further: Romans 12 in the King James Bible.