Marriage: God's Design

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Today's Scripture

"Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” (Words of Jesus in Matthew 19:6 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

God created the marriage relationship to be permanent. Too often today people enter marriage with a "we'll see how it works" attitude. At the first sign of trouble, they are ready to run their separate ways.

Two people living together are going to face challenges. They are not going to always agree. They are not going to always want the same thing. But that's not the time to run. That's the time to talk. To God. To each other. That's the time to build the kind of unity we discussed yesterday. That unity will help prevent Satan from driving a wedge in the marriage.

Consider this …

The Bible is filled with ways to make your marriage permanent. Here are just a few.

Be willing to forgive.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." (Words of Jesus in Luke 6:37 NLT)

When you have forgiven, put the issue behind and move on.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13 NLT)

Settle differences quickly.

And “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. (Ephesians 4:26 NLT)

Compliment each other regularly. Speak with kindness.

Gentle words are a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4 NLT)

Love each other the way God loves us.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT)

Honor and respect each other.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:10 NLT)

Guard your heart—your thoughts, your attitudes.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)

Pray together.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16 NLT)

Keep Christ at the center of your marriage and home.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)

Prayer

Father, help me to be the wife/husband you want me to be. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Committed Couples: God's Plan for Marriage & the Family by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. Whether in a private or group setting, couples will be encouraged spiritually and romantically as they research biblical principles that affirm their vows. This book can help every married couple grow spiritually and emotionally in their relationship. It is also a great help for engaged-to-be-married couples.

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