A Growing Marriage
Growing Together Week #6
A Growing Marriage
Matthew 5:38-48; Ephesians 4:26-30
You’ve got to work to make marriage work
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:38-44
Quit focusing on your spouse’s imperfections and focus on your own
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:45-48
The key to a growing marriage is to be dedicated to communication and organization.
We’ve got to be willing to disconnect from the world on a daily basis for the purpose of consistent and intimate communication with our spouse
If you don’t talk it out, you’ll act it out
3 Communication Tools for a Growing Marriage
A. Speak the Truth.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:25-26
You cannot hold your spouse accountable for unspoken expectations
B. Settle the Issue
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
Do not say things that are intentionally hurtful!
C. Submit to Jesus
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians4:30
The consequences for concealment are much greater than the consequences of confession
3 AREAS YOU MUST BE WILLING TO TALK ABOUT
1. Money
- 2 Money Principles to follow:
Put God first
Get out of debt
2. Time
- 2 Time Principles to follow:
Date Night
Vacation
3. Sex
2 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TODAY:
Is there anything you need to talk about today with your spouse?
Is there anything you need to change in your marriage?