Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef
March 14, 2026
The First Key to a Fulfilling Marriage: Selflessness
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Philippians 2:3-4. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were naked and without shame. This nakedness was of the physical sort, of course, but it was also a spiritual nakedness. You see, they had transparency with each other and with God. Nothing but openness and honesty. But when selfishness entered the hearts of our first parents, sin came in and blew everything up.
I am convinced that selfishness is Satan’s number-one tool to destroy a marriage. The beautiful relationship that the first couple enjoyed—the kind of marriage that was only possible because of their selflessness and transparency—was dismantled by Satan in an instant. Now, every fight between married couples, from the time of Adam and Eve down to today, stems from self-centeredness.
You may be saying to yourself, “If this problem has been going on for this long, is there any hope for me? For my marriage?” With Jesus, there is always hope. When you live in the power of the Holy Spirit, you’ll be able to live out the apostle Paul’s command to “value others above yourselves” and become a Christlike spouse who is mature, magnanimous, and malleable (Philippians 2:3).
Mature Christians ask, “How can I sacrifice for my spouse’s comfort?” not, “How can I get my spouse to do more for my comfort?” Mature Christians reflect, “How can I be more patient with my spouse? How can I respond gently when I am irritated?” This kind of maturity flows from God’s Spirit at work in you.
Magnanimity is generosity and benevolence—core characteristics of selflessness. To bless their marriage, magnanimous Christians seek to understand their spouse’s thought patterns, feelings, and needs.
Finally, selfless Christians are malleable or flexible, meaning that, in marriage, both husband and wife submit their personal desires to the other out of respect for Jesus. That’s why you do it—out of reverence for Christ. As each person sacrifices for the other, we see the clearest picture of Christ’s relationship with His Church.
As you and your spouse together die to self, your marriage will reflect the power of the resurrection to bring new life and abundant joy.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the ways that I act and think selfishly in my relationships. Give me the strength to submit to Your Spirit so that I can become mature, magnanimous, and malleable toward my spouse. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“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” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Crafted: Marriage God’s Way, The Selfless Foundation of Marriage: LISTEN NOW
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Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through every available form of media, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives around the world.
What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ, including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Dr. Youssef's Biblically-based programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. His books, MY Journal magazine, and daily e-devotionals continue to minister to a global audience. Leading The Way utilizes cutting-edge technology to advance the Gospel. Its solar-powered Navigators are reaching into remote villages, and the ministry's KINGDOM SAT TV channel—launched by Dr. Youssef in 2009—is reaching into the Middle East with programming in English, Arabic, and French. Field Teams follow up with viewers, including those in restricted areas, to lead the lost to Christ, disciple new believers, and support the underground Church.
Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way team are committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus with the lost and equipping believers to grow in Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.
About Dr. Michael Youssef
Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground teams. His Biblically-based teaching programs are broadcast more than 18,000 times per week in multiple languages around the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the AWAKE America prayer movement.
Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds theological degrees from Moore College and Fuller Theological Seminary and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Life-Changing Prayers, Is the End Near?, How to Read the Bible, Heaven Awaits, and God’s Final Call. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
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