Page 54 - Christ and Culture Textbook

Proverbs says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing”
(12:18). Think about the damage done every time a husband or a wife chooses to say hurtful things to
his or her spouse.

Paul wrote these encouraging words: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”
(Eph. 4:29). Rightly handled the gospel has power to unity the couple.

A good marriage is a commitment to remain faithful and pure. Without question, every marriage will
have its problems. But God has called marriage partners to remain committed, and he will give them the
strength to overcome any trial or testing (1 Cor. 10:13). The bottom line is that if a marriage is to last,
the married couple must surrender everything and be willing to do anything to keep trust and
commitment strong. The key to remaining committed is a willingness to change. Selfishness, greed, lust,
defensiveness, lying, fear, rejection, distrust, and regrets must all be stripped away.

Marriage is not only about meeting needs; it is about reflecting and representing the love Christ has for
his bride. Marriage is a beautiful picture of the sacrificial love and grace of Jesus Christ. Therefore,
Christian marriages ought to be a display of God’s magnificent mercy and redemption.

Ten ways to stay committed in marriage.
1. Spend time in daily prayer and meditation in the Word of God.
2. Offer daily intercession for your spouse and family.
3. Deliberately seek the Lord together in prayer.
4. Discuss and agree on a plan for the family.
5. Be open and transparent about your feelings.
6. Be a great listener.
7. Treat your family the way you want to be treated.
8. Serve the other person.
9. Always forgive.
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10. Build fun memories.

Our culture says losing arguments and quick forgiveness is a sign of weakness. But the Bible is contrary
on this issue, spouses don’t have to win an argument or be unforgiving. In a good marriage requires
spouses work together, understand each other and forgive each other. They seek to use their marriage
as a ministry to others (Phil. 2:4). A godly marriage consists of the following biblical truths:
1. The man and woman are to be united as one (Gen. 2:22–24). Two people become one through
marriage (Mark 10:2–12)
2. The husband and wife are joined together by God and are not to be separated (Matt. 19:4–6).
3. The marriage is to be honored and not defiled (Heb. 13:4).
4. Both the husband and the wife are to submit to each other in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21) and fulfill
their marital duties in Christ’s love (1 Cor. 7:1–16; 1 Cor. 13).
5. Wives are to submit to their husbands and respect them in obedience to Christ (Eph. 5:22–24; Col.
3:18).
6. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25–33; 1 Pet. 3:7).

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