Future Family Week 5: How to Make Your Marriage Last

How to Make Your Marriage Last

Message by:
Rev. Bob Gerstmyer
Covenant Church
Shepherdstown, WV

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:21
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

What is love?

1. Love is Action. - How do I show it?

a. Spend time together each day.

Proverbs 12:14
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things, as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

b. Affirm something your spouse said or did.

Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.

c. Be kind to one another.

Proverbs 11: 16-17
A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

2. Love is Affection.

a. Kiss your spouse often.

Proverbs 24:26
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

b. Say I Love You.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

c. Do something caring and romantic for your spouse.

Proverbs 18:16
A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

d. Laugh together.

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

3. Love is unconditional acceptance.

a. Don’t try to change your spouse.

Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

b. Fight Fair.

Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1, 18, 23; 19:13
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1), A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. (15:18), A person finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! (15:23), A foolish child is a father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. (19:13)

c. Be willing to forgive.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

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