Building a Better Marriage At Jesus Feet Fate
Building a Better Marriage At Jesus’ Feet
Fate of Marriages 1. 2. 3. End in legal divorce Settle for emotional divorce Grow in love for a lifetime
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus – John 15: 4 -5 – “Fruit” = supernaturally good words & actions (‘fruit of the Spirit’ in Gal 5) – Assumes a relationship with Jesus – Requires time & obedience
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness – Philippians 2: 3 -8 – A great marriage requires me to sacrifice my rights & desires, time & possessions Either I sacrifice myself, or I sacrifice my marriage!
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love Romans 15: 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
Unconditional Acceptance… Does not: Does: • ask “did I marry the wrong person? ” • trust in the sovereignty of God • rehearse a list of things you don’t like • verbalize unconditional commitment • try to change your spouse • practice thankfulness • threaten to leave
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy – the ability to identify with and understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy – Discover your spouse’s love language Words of affirmation Quality time Receiving gifts Acts of service Physical touch
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy – Discover your spouse’s love language – Practice walking in your spouse’s shoes 1 Peter 3: 7 Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way…
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy • Edify with their Words Proverbs 18: 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue…
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy • Edify with their Words Proverbs 12: 18 There is one who speaks rashly like thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Become a Great Communicator Avoid: Practice: • sarcasm • listen before you speak • public critique or correction of spouse • praise your spouse in private & in public • absolute language • speak truth in love (“you never… you always…”) • withdrawal (truth surrounded by encouragement)
People who Build Great Marriages… • Abide in Jesus • Practice Selflessness • Accept Others in Love • Practice Empathy • Edify with their Words
Application • Review sermon slides w/ spouse • Read a book together this summer – A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage Stanley, Trathen, Mc. Cain, and Bryan – The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman – Building your Mates Self-Esteem Dennis and Barbara Rainey • Don’t be afraid to get help
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