Full-on for God - Session 21
Marriage
1
Cor 13:4-8a
Ecc
4:12
Introduction
All the statistics are increasingly suggesting that lifetime
marriages are more difficult to come by – 5 out of 10
The only hope for reversing the odds is the wisdom of God,
the grace of God and the constant nurturing of mutual love.
Staying married : the reality
4 principles:
1.
Stay talking (M.O.T. 71)
A ‘long conversation’ that goes beyond functional requests
or passing on information
·
Make
an effort – Create opportunities when you can talk and listen openly.
·
Make
use of mealtimes – turn the telly off for 15 minutes
·
Develop
honesty so there’s no no-go areas
·
Express
your feelings
2.
Stay loving (M.O.T. 72)
Learn the art of release.
·
Selfishness
has to go – no more unilateral decisions
·
Be
as pleased with your spouses success as your own
·
Loving
is about the will, not feelings
3.
Stay Intimate (M.O.T. 73)
Not just about sex or romance but developing a ‘special’
relationship.
Don’t think that intimacy with partner will take away
loneliness. It’s not the same as intimacy with God.
·
Intimacy
with partner is not loneliness cure all
·
Be
honest when damaging emotions may come between you.
·
Sacrifice
sexually – sex is important
·
Keep
working on ‘tingle factor’.
4.
Stay forgiving (M.O.T. 74)
Every marriage encounters conflict. Eph 4:6 “Don’t let the
sun go down on your anger”.
·
*There’s
no room for revenge or guilt.
·
*Remember
to say sorry.
·
The
KJC principle
Books:
‘Marriage book’ – Nicky and Sila Lee
60 minute marriage – Rob Parsons
Loving against the odds
5 Love languages
Marriage works – J. John