What Does Being a New Creation in Jesus Mean for your Marriage?

Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by Andrea

From the moment I accepted Christ and became a new creation, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” my perspective on life—and most importantly my marriage—was transformed. Becoming a new creation in Christ doesn’t just change how I view myself; it fundamentally reshapes how I approach my role as a wife, my relationship with my husband, and the purpose of our marriage. My marriage became an even more special relationship because it was centered on the Word of God and the eternal life His Son provides us.

According to this verse, when we accept Christ into our lives as our Savior, we are a new creation in Christ. But what exactly is “old”, and what does it mean to be “new” if we are still “us”?

What does it mean?

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The Greek word for “old” in this usage is archaios meaning something that has been from the beginning; original. “New” from the Greek is kainos and means recently made, unused, unworn, something that was previously non-existent and is now something far different from what was before. So from looking at the origins of being old and new we learn that we are completely different than what we are before – totally changed.

Ellicott’s Commentary says that the old things of life – expectations, “heathen philosophies,” and “earthly standards” have passed away. According to MacLaren’s Expositions, this means that we now have a new goal and center (focus) for our lives. We live not for ourselves but for Christ.

Living like a new creation

Do you feel new? I’ll admit, my answer is sometimes a resounding “NO!” But just as I had to choose to make Jesus the Lord of my life, I need to choose the new that He offers me.

My old me was short-tempered, opinionated to a fault, and judgmental. My new me, as I choose to conform my life to Christ’s, works at demonstrating the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22), especially patience, kindness, and self-control. That’s just a shortlist of my changes. I know you have your own list of changes as you shift from an old to a new creation.

Selflessness Through Christ

Before fully embracing Christ, it was easy to approach my marriage relationship with a sense of entitlement or a focus on my own needs and desires. But as a new creation, I’ve learned that marriage is not a contract focused on personal gain or my own good things but a new covenant designed to reflect the love of Christ. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

This directive challenges me daily to prioritize my husband’s needs above my own. For example, there were days when I would expect my husband to always cater to my emotional or practical needs without considering his own challenges and needs. But through Christ’s example of sacrificial love, I’m reminded to listen more, serve selflessly, and recognize his efforts with gratitude instead of entitlement. What does this look like on a daily basis? It means sometimes I don’t complain about what’s going on with me because I know he has a lot going on. It means sometimes I solve my own problems instead of asking for his help. Other days it means I do something nice for him, even though I’m exhausted from my own work. Putting his needs first is difficult sometimes, but it’s what we are called to do. Human marriages are made up of humans – flawed and imperfect. But as God’s people, saved by Christ Jesus, we can do hard things.

Forgiveness as a Foundation

The institution of marriage is without its challenges, and conflict was once something I dreaded. However, being a new creation in Christ equips me to handle disagreements with grace and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

This Scripture became a cornerstone of my marriage. I recall a time when my husband and I had a heated argument over a financial decision. My old self would have held onto resentment and let it fester. But as someone renewed by Christ, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to pray, let go of my anger, and seek to make our relationship right with each other and with God. Offering forgiveness doesn’t just mend the relationship; it strengthens our bond in ways that reflect God’s redemptive love. In this case, it meant that I needed to take a break to pray. Then go back to my husband with renewed goals – with God as my first priority. We needed to work together instead of against each other. With this new attitude, we were able to come to an agreement that worked well for our family.

Strengthened Through Service

Becoming a new creation doesn’t mean the trials of life vanish; it means we are equipped with Christ’s strength to face them. Serving my husband and family is no longer a task fueled by obligation but an act of love and worship. Colossians 3:23 encourages, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

This verse has transformed how I approach daily acts of service—whether preparing meals, managing household responsibilities, or simply being present. When my husband faces a particularly difficult season at work, I feel called not only to support him emotionally but also to take on additional tasks to ease his burden. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I lean on prayer and find joy in serving him in Christ’s name. Does this sound a bit too Pollyanna-ish? Maybe. But it’s how God calls us to respond. Do I do it perfectly? No. But I do it the best I can, with God’s help.

Unity in Prayer

Another profound impact of being a new creation is the emphasis on unity in prayer. Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Praying together as a couple has deepened our relationship with each other and with God. Praying together invites God’s presence into our lives every day. We need that more than ever in this present world that seems filled with darkness.

I recall a time when we were uncertain about a major life decision—whether I should take a new job opportunity. By coming together in prayer, seeking God’s will, and submitting our fears to Him, we found peace and clarity. At the time, God’s message was, “Wait.” While I didn’t like that answer, we waited. Then Covid hit. After things settled down, the same job opportunity arose again. This time, God said, “Go.” And I haven’t looked back – the job is great. This practice of shared prayer fosters a sense of spiritual intimacy that strengthens our marriage, reminding me that Christ is the third cord in our union (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Encouraging Growth and Purpose

As a new creation, I’ve come to understand that my role as a wife is not just to love and support my husband but also to encourage him in his walk with Christ. Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” The only thing I have to focus on here is helping my husband be the best man he can be in Christ and the different ways he can do that.

For example, my husband’s walk with Christ is very private to him. When he expresses interest in serving, I try to support him fully, knowing that he is very judicious with his time and service. I want him to serve where God calls him and to know that I support him in that. The good news is that once we get in the habit of encouraging our spouse, it just gets easier.

Reflecting Christ’s Love

Ultimately, being a new creation means that my marriage is no longer just about us. It’s about reflecting God’s love to the world. John 13:34-35 commands, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Not sure what God’s love looks like? Check out the love chapter of the Bible – 1 Corinthians 13. There you’ll see a list of attributes of God’s love that we can work to apply to our marriages. We won’t ever get it 100% perfect, but we have a lifetime to keep trying.

When I approach my husband with patience, kindness, and selfless love, I am bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ. Whether through small acts, like leaving a note of encouragement, or larger gestures, like supporting him through a challenging time, my goal is to emulate the love Christ has shown me.

Conclusion

Being a new creation in Christ impacts every facet of marriage, from how I navigate challenges to how I express love and forgiveness. It reshapes my priorities, strengthens our bond, and aligns our union with God’s purpose. Through Christ, I’ve learned that marriage is not merely a partnership between two people but a reflection of divine grace and love. A healthy marriage doesn’t mean a perfect marriage – it means a close relationship feuled by the power of God. By walking in the light of this transformation, my marriage is not just surviving—it is thriving, to the glory of God.

This week…

🔎 This week I encourage you to use some quiet time to reflect on what your “old” looks like. Write those characteristics in your journal – draw if it helps. Then identify what Christ is doing in you as a new creation. Write those characteristics – draw what it means to you – then spend some time this week pondering your new nature (Philippians 4:8).

Have fun with it – and embrace the new you!

Love,

🌸 Andrea

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