Check out this week’s sermon notes!
Pastor Conway
Bible References: Genesis 3:12; Proverbs 10:19, 12:8, 18:22; John 4:6-26, 6:35; Matthew 19:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15; Ephesians 4:9, 5:22,25, 28; James 1:19
To keep a marriage from ending in divorce requires commitment, constant vigilance and most importantly a willingness to serve selflessly. Marriage is the joining of two people as one (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Divorce is like amputating a portion of yourself that you need but have to function without. You can help ensure your marriage doesn’t become a statistic by knowing the four predictors of divorce and being aware which one(s) you use:
Criticism
Defensiveness
Contempt (chronic anger)
Stonewalling
With that awareness you can plan to respond differently, to communicate more effectively. As you begin a new week reference the four checkpoints to help support a good, strong, happy and purposeful marriage:
Serve your mate; be selfless. (James 1:19)
Keep the marriage covenant sacred. (Matthew 19:3-6)
Speak words that build up your spouse; words matter. (Proverbs 10:9 and 12:18)
Understand what needs your spouse can fulfill and what God will provide; security, acceptance, identity, and purpose can only be provided by God. (John 6:35)
Action Steps: As you think about this week’s lesson, assess the strength of your marriage or relationships. Review the four “predictors” of divorce to understand which one(s) you do. Make a commitment to relate to others differently, and start by planning and practicing what that will look like.
