Experiencing God’s Complete Marriage Renewal
Marriage is a sacred covenant, a divine institution designed by God to reflect His love, unity, and purpose for humanity. Yet, for many couples, the journey of marriage is fraught with challenges—misunderstandings, conflicts, and even seasons of disconnection that threaten to unravel the bond once forged in love. The testimony of a marriage renewed by God is not just a story of restoration but a powerful declaration of His transformative grace, faithfulness, and ability to breathe life into what seems broken. Drawing from the teachings of Dr. Myles Munroe and Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo—two influential voices in Christian ministry who have extensively addressed marriage, relationships, and God’s design for families—this article explores how God can renew a marriage, supported by biblical principles, practical wisdom, and inspiring insights. Anchored in Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments, we will unpack the process of renewal, the role of faith, and the actionable steps couples can take to invite God’s healing into their union.
The Divine Blueprint for Marriage
Dr. Myles Munroe, a renowned Bahamian pastor, author, and speaker, emphasized that marriage is not a human invention but a divine institution rooted in God’s eternal purpose. In his sermons and books, such as The Purpose and Power of Love & Marriage, Munroe teaches that God created marriage to fulfill His kingdom agenda, where two individuals become one to reflect His glory and accomplish His will. He often referenced Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse, from the Old Testament, establishes the foundation of marriage as a union that transcends mere companionship. Munroe explained that “one flesh” signifies a profound spiritual, emotional, and physical oneness that requires intentionality, commitment, and submission to God’s principles. When a marriage faces turmoil, it’s often because the couple has drifted from this divine blueprint. Renewal, therefore, begins with returning to God’s original design.
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, a Nigerian pastor and relationship coach known for his practical and biblically grounded teachings, echoes this sentiment. In his sermons, such as those shared on his YouTube channel and through his ministry, Love, Dating, and Marriage (LDM), Okonkwo stresses that marriage is a covenant, not a contract. He frequently cites Malachi 2:14 (NIV) to underscore this truth:
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
Okonkwo teaches that God is deeply invested in the covenant of marriage, acting as its witness and sustainer. When couples face challenges, they must remember that God is not only present but actively desires to restore and renew their relationship. This Old Testament verse reminds us that breaking faith with a spouse is not just a personal failing but a violation of a sacred agreement made before God—a truth that calls couples to repentance and realignment with His will.
The Reality of Marital Challenges
No marriage is immune to difficulties. Whether it’s financial strain, communication breakdowns, infidelity, or unmet expectations, every couple encounters seasons that test their commitment. Dr. Munroe often spoke about the inevitability of conflict in marriage, noting that it’s not the presence of problems that destroys a marriage but how couples respond to them. In one of his sermons, he said, “The greatest enemy of marriage is ignorance. You cannot build what you do not understand.” Munroe believed that many marriages falter because couples lack knowledge of God’s principles for love, forgiveness, and unity.
Similarly, Pastor Okonkwo addresses the modern pressures on marriage, particularly in a culture influenced by social media and unrealistic expectations. In a podcast episode titled “Be Ready to Marry,” he explains that many couples enter marriage with a “consumer mindset,” expecting their spouse to meet all their needs without investing in mutual growth. He warns that this approach leads to disappointment and disconnection, urging couples to see marriage as a partnership where both parties serve and sacrifice for each other.
The story of a marriage renewed by God often begins in the valley of hardship. For many couples, the moment of crisis—whether a heated argument, a betrayal, or a prolonged period of emotional distance—becomes the turning point where they seek God’s intervention. Both Munroe and Okonkwo emphasize that God specializes in transforming brokenness into beauty, but this process requires humility, faith, and a willingness to surrender to His guidance.
The Role of Faith in Renewal
A marriage renewed by God is a testimony of faith in action. Dr. Munroe often taught that faith is not passive but an active trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem hopeless. In his book Rediscovering the Kingdom, he writes, “Faith is acting on what you believe about God.” For a struggling couple, this means believing that God can heal their marriage and taking steps to align with His will.
One of Munroe’s favorite New Testament verses for illustrating faith is Hebrews 11:6 (NIV):
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
In the context of marriage, this verse calls couples to approach God with confidence in His ability to restore their relationship. Munroe encouraged couples to pray together, study Scripture, and seek godly counsel as acts of faith that invite God’s presence into their marriage. He believed that when couples earnestly seek God, He rewards them with wisdom, peace, and the strength to overcome challenges.
Pastor Okonkwo complements this teaching by emphasizing the power of prayer in marriage. In a sermon titled “The Power of Agreement,” he references Matthew 18:19 (NIV):
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Okonkwo explains that when a husband and wife unite in prayer, their agreement amplifies their spiritual authority, creating an environment where God can work miracles. He shares stories of couples who, through consistent prayer and mutual submission, witnessed God heal deep wounds and restore love in their marriage. For Okonkwo, prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline that reconnects couples to God and each other.
Practical Steps for Renewal
While faith is the foundation of a renewed marriage, both Munroe and Okonkwo stress the importance of practical steps grounded in biblical principles. Here are some key strategies drawn from their teachings:
1. Recommit to God’s Covenant
Munroe taught that marriage is a blood covenant, a concept he explored in sermons like “What You Should Know About Divorce, Sex, Adultery, and Marriage.” He explained that just as God’s covenant with humanity was sealed by the blood of Jesus, marriage is a sacred bond that requires unwavering commitment. Couples seeking renewal must recommit to their vows, acknowledging God as the center of their union.
Okonkwo reinforces this by urging couples to treat their marriage as a “no-exit” covenant. In a viral tweet from April 2025, he stated, “Until you are married – you are single,” emphasizing that true commitment begins with marriage and must be upheld through challenges. He encourages couples to renew their vows privately or publicly as a tangible act of recommitment.
2. Pursue Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of marital renewal. Munroe often cited Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
He taught that unforgiveness creates a barrier not only between spouses but also between the couple and God. Munroe encouraged couples to release past hurts, not because their spouse deserves it, but because God commands it. He believed that forgiveness opens the door for emotional healing and reconciliation.
Okonkwo takes a practical approach to forgiveness, advising couples to communicate openly about their pain. In his book 7 Questions Wise Women Ask, he writes, “You cannot fix what you don’t confront.” He encourages couples to have honest conversations, seek counseling if needed, and choose forgiveness as a daily practice.
3. Invest in Communication
Both Munroe and Okonkwo highlight communication as a vital tool for renewal. Munroe described communication as the “lifeblood of marriage,” urging couples to listen actively and express their needs with love. He often referenced Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Okonkwo, known for his humorous yet profound insights, advises couples to “date their spouse” even after years of marriage. In his podcast, he shares tips like scheduling regular check-ins, asking open-ended questions, and avoiding criticism. He believes that intentional communication rebuilds trust and intimacy.
4. Seek Godly Counsel
Munroe and Okonkwo both advocate for seeking wisdom from mentors, pastors, or counselors. Munroe often said, “You don’t know everything about marriage, but God has placed people around you who do.” He pointed to Proverbs 15:22 (NIV):
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Okonkwo’s ministry, LDM, offers resources like retreats and counseling sessions to help couples navigate challenges. He encourages couples to surround themselves with godly mentors who model healthy marriages.
5. Serve Each Other
Finally, both teachers emphasize servanthood as a key to renewal. Munroe taught that marriage is not about getting but giving, drawing from Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV):
“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.”
Okonkwo echoes this in his sermon “Love is a Verb,” where he challenges couples to outdo each other in acts of kindness. He believes that serving one’s spouse creates a cycle of love and appreciation that strengthens the marriage.
Biblical Anchors for Renewal
To deepen our understanding of how God renews marriages, let’s explore two additional Bible verses—one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament—that provide hope and guidance.
Old Testament: Joel 2:25 (NIV)
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”
This verse, often quoted by Munroe in his sermons on restoration, speaks of God’s promise to redeem what has been lost. In the context of marriage, it offers hope to couples who feel that years of pain, betrayal, or neglect have stolen their joy. Munroe taught that God is a restorer who can repay the “lost years” by bringing new seasons of love, intimacy, and purpose. He encouraged couples to trust God’s timing, believing that no situation is beyond His redemptive power.
For a couple seeking renewal, Joel 2:25 is a reminder that God can turn their mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). Whether it’s rebuilding trust after infidelity or rediscovering passion after years of routine, God’s promise of restoration is a beacon of hope.
New Testament: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Pastor Okonkwo frequently uses this verse to illustrate the transformative power of Christ in relationships. He teaches that when couples surrender their marriage to Jesus, they become new creations, capable of loving and relating in ways they couldn’t before. This verse speaks to the heart of renewal—a fresh start where old patterns of selfishness, anger, or indifference are replaced with Christlike love and humility.
In his sermons, Okonkwo shares stories of couples who, through salvation or rededication to Christ, experienced a radical transformation in their marriage. He believes that being “in Christ” empowers couples to break free from past mistakes and build a new legacy together.
Testimonies of Renewal
The teachings of Munroe and Okonkwo have inspired countless couples to seek God’s renewal. For example, in one of Munroe’s recorded sermons, he shared the story of a couple on the brink of divorce who attended his marriage conference. Through prayer, counseling, and applying biblical principles, they recommitted to their marriage and later testified that God had not only saved their relationship but made it stronger than ever.
Similarly, Okonkwo’s ministry is filled with testimonies of couples who found hope through his teachings. In a recent LDM retreat, a couple shared how they overcame years of resentment by following Okonkwo’s advice to pray together daily and serve each other selflessly. Their story, like many others, underscores the truth that God is still in the business of renewing marriages.
The Future of a Renewed Marriage
A marriage renewed by God is not just restored to its former state but elevated to a new level of purpose and intimacy. Munroe often said, “God doesn’t just fix things; He makes them better than they were before.” He envisioned renewed marriages as beacons of light in a world desperate for hope, reflecting God’s love and faithfulness.
Okonkwo shares this vision, encouraging couples to see their marriage as a ministry. In his book When God Builds a Marriage, he writes, “Your marriage is not just for you; it’s for the world to see what God can do.” A renewed marriage becomes a testimony that inspires others, strengthens families, and advances God’s kingdom.
Looking to the future, couples can anchor their renewed marriage in ongoing practices:
- Daily Prayer and Devotion: Continue seeking God together through prayer and Bible study.
- Lifelong Learning: Attend marriage retreats, read books, and listen to podcasts like those from Munroe and Okonkwo.
- Community Support: Stay connected to a church or small group that encourages marital growth.
- Purposeful Living: Pursue God’s calling for your marriage, whether through ministry, parenting, or serving others.
The journey of a marriage renewed by God is a testament to His power, grace, and unending love. Through the teachings of Dr. Myles Munroe and Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, we see that renewal is not only possible but part of God’s heart for every couple. By returning to God’s blueprint, exercising faith, and applying practical steps like forgiveness, communication, and servanthood, couples can experience a marriage that is stronger, deeper, and more fulfilling than they ever imagined.
The Bible verses we’ve explored—Genesis 2:24, Malachi 2:14, Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 18:19, Joel 2:25, and 2 Corinthians 5:17—offer a roadmap for renewal, reminding us that God is the author and perfecter of our marriages. As Munroe and Okonkwo have taught, when we invite God into our relationships, He transforms our pain into purpose, our brokenness into beauty, and our struggles into stories of victory.
If your marriage is in need of renewal, take heart. God is ready to repay the years the locusts have eaten and make you a new creation in Christ. Call on Him, trust His process, and watch as He renews your marriage for His glory and your joy.