The Battle For . . .Marriage
I hope you are enjoying the previous posts in this series called The Battle For . . . Today, I want to look at the battle for marriage. No, I am not talking about constitutional amendments. I am talking about husband and wife staying committed to each other. For those who have gone through a divorce, please don't mistake my comments as judging you in any way. I don't know your situation.
However, what I do know is that over 50% of marriages are ending in divorce. That is way too many! This percentage is not that different between those who attend church and those who do not. As a family pastor, I want to be there for couples who are struggling in areas of their marriage. It saddens me to see people turn to everyone except the church when they are going through marital problems. I am praying right now that we as a church would be a resource and help to those facing struggles.
Here are the lies that we tell ourselves or that Satan whispers to us about marriage:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 a reminds us what unconditional love looks like. We need to share this kind of love with our spouse.
Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure . . ."
1 Peter 3:7 says, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect . . ."
Ephesians 5:22,25 says, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. . .Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . . ."
I am blessed to have a wonderful wife. I will always remember the covenant I made before God and other witnesses. Marriage is not just a feeling, but a commitment. Marriage is hard work. However, it is also a wonderful gift given to us by God. Seek out a couple today and encourage them in their marriage. If you are struggling in your own marriage-don't suffer in silence, please contact me so that I can pray with you and walk with you.
However, what I do know is that over 50% of marriages are ending in divorce. That is way too many! This percentage is not that different between those who attend church and those who do not. As a family pastor, I want to be there for couples who are struggling in areas of their marriage. It saddens me to see people turn to everyone except the church when they are going through marital problems. I am praying right now that we as a church would be a resource and help to those facing struggles.
Here are the lies that we tell ourselves or that Satan whispers to us about marriage:
- He/She doesn't really love you. If he/she did, they would _________________.
- We are different people now than we were when we first got married.
- I don't know why she gets so mad at me for working so hard, I am doing it for her.
- Our focus needs to be on the kids right now.
- Why can't our marriage be more like _______________ (fill in the blank with book, TV or movie couple)
- We don't have the time or money to go out on a date as a couple.
- The romance is dead.
- All he wants is sex! He doesn't care about my needs or wants.
- No one really stays together any more.
- Don't let anyone know you are struggling in your relationship because they will judge you.
- I give and give and he/she does not appreciate it.
- All she does is nag me.
- He/She does not listen to me.
- He is more interested in sports than me.
- We don't have time to talk or pray together.
- I am too tired.
- He/She does not deserve forgiveness.
- Pornography will spice things up in the bedroom.
- Don't get involved in a small group because they all have it together.
- Again, the list could go on and on.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 a reminds us what unconditional love looks like. We need to share this kind of love with our spouse.
Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure . . ."
1 Peter 3:7 says, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect . . ."
Ephesians 5:22,25 says, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. . .Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . . ."
I am blessed to have a wonderful wife. I will always remember the covenant I made before God and other witnesses. Marriage is not just a feeling, but a commitment. Marriage is hard work. However, it is also a wonderful gift given to us by God. Seek out a couple today and encourage them in their marriage. If you are struggling in your own marriage-don't suffer in silence, please contact me so that I can pray with you and walk with you.
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