We are in a generation where couples must be deliberate in nurturing their love and romance. Work schedules, lifestyles, and personal choices are gradually eroding the bonding that should exist between a husband and a wife at all times.
If bonding is not worked at, things will gradually degenerate! May that never be our portion!
It is the same thing for singles in courtship. Bonding especially on an intellectual level must be achieved. Communication should be top-notch as this is the bedrock of any successful marriage. The only bonding that should not happen before a wedding is sexual bonding! I believe singles already know this!
One of the ways to bond together is by playing together!
Playing together as a couple is a natural way to eliminate the unnecessary stress that comes with raising a family! Don’t take playfulness out of your marriage!
This is one thing I still do till tomorrow. I play a lot with my wife! It’s a good way to bond!
Another thing that being playful together as a couple does is that it creates shared memories which leads to deeper emotional connection!
Conversely, quarreling all the time and engaging in unending bickering will tear you apart emotionally till you are irritated at each other. It even gets more intense and hatred comes in.
How do you move from loving someone so much to hating that person so much?
Carelessness in not nurturing your marriage can result in this!
If playfulness is absent in your marriage, then start by scheduling it. An example is a playful dance session. Another one is a gentle pillow fight!
Let me warn you ahead of time that one spouse will not usually like this idea as one is always serious while the other is playful. But you must keep at it.
Genuinely invest in joy in your home. Play together. And enjoy yourself, and of course, this will lead to a better intimacy between the two of you!
God’s word remains the only authentic manual for living a fruitful married life and indeed every other aspect of our lives
Marriage is not meant to be lived without God. How do you get God involved in your marriage except by finding out of His word says in every different aspect?
The issue of forgiveness is very crucial in marriage. We must guide ourselves on how to handle hurts and offenses such that they don’t degenerate into bitterness and finally get to a point where your spirit is closed against your spouse.
Marriage is a union that is meant to multiply our strength. One is meant to chase a thousand and two of us in marriage put ten thousand to flight.
Yet marriage is the place where most offenses occur, mostly because of temperamental differences, background differences, and male/ female differences.
Pressures of different sorts occur in marriage. Unmet expectations, challenges, and changes happen in marriage and all these cause the very foundation of our marriage to be shaken. Arming ourselves with the right knowledge and getting the strength to help us navigate this aspect of our marital journey is very important.
That hurts will not come is living in a fool’s paradise. Let’s look at what God’s word says
2 Cor 6:3 Giving no offence in anything, … We are to make sure we are not easily offended. Don’t easily be offended. Grow a thick skin to being offended. Holding offenses is not even good for our health.
Learn to let go quickly. I know it is not an easy pill to swallow. I also know, that depending on the magnitude of the offense, it becomes really hard to let go. Yet God’s word must be obeyed.
Matt 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Offenses MUST come. This is a reality in marriage. We are not expecting it but we are armed with how to handle offenses quickly when they show up.
I think that is a fair way to live.
Let’s look at what God’s word has to say about forgiveness
Matt 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
If we don’t forgive from our hearts, we stand the risk of having God holding our shortcomings against us. We are always in need of the mercy of God. So one of the reasons we forgive our spouse is because we also offend God in so many ways and want Him to forgive us. God counts it sheer wickedness, if we want God to forgive us and yet we withhold mercy from our covenant partner. Forgiveness is a show of Mercy that we give to the offender. When we show mercy to others we will also receive mercy.
I will stop here this morning. It is my prayer that God will grant us the Grace to forgive each other in marriage in Jesus’ mighty name.
In life, individuals, whether single or married, grapple with challenges that test their commitment to God’s path. Let’s explore the stories of Sally, John, Mr & Mrs Balley, and decipher the common thread that binds their struggles.
Sally is a church girl. She goes to church regularly, belongs to the choir, and serves God passionately, but she is also caught up with some habitual sins, which she has not been able to confront for a long time.
John is the fellowship head of his campus fellowship but has sexual relationships with some of the flock he is supposed to keep. He knows his lifestyle doesn’t please God, but he would find himself from time to time doing what he preaches against.
Mr & Mrs Balley want to serve God and they are doing all they can. It is just that they are both compromisers, they are seeing someone else. They know it is wrong, but they continue, thinking that somehow, things will just work out.
Watch Today’s Devotional With Captions
What is common with these people?
They are all involved with what is not going to work. They are all hoping God’s mercy will work for them, and really it will work for a while.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1 KJV)
1. Recognizing the Invitation
Isaiah 55:1 extends an invitation—one that doesn’t require money but a thirsty heart. The principle embedded here is profound: the first step to a successful life, relationship, or marriage is to crave the things of God. Like buying water, wine, and milk without money, investing time and sincerity into God’s word is the key.
2. Thirst for God’s Word
Your legitimate thirst for a fulfilling life, a thriving marriage, and the finer things is acknowledged. However, the solution lies not in temporary gratification but in seeking the waters of God’s word. Quenching your soul’s thirst requires dedication and a heart turned toward God, not indulging in fleeting pleasures.
3. The Pitfall of Compromise
Sally, John, and Mr & Mrs Balley share a common misstep—they hope for God’s mercy while compromising. The invitation isn’t to quench your thirst in worldly traps but in the pure waters of God’s wisdom. Compromise may offer temporary relief, but true satisfaction lies in aligning with God’s principles.
4. Buying Rightly: A Heart Unto God
To navigate life successfully, you must buy rightly—with a sincere heart devoted to God. Spending time in God’s word becomes the currency for acquiring the revelations needed for your journey. The hunger for significance, wealth, and thriving marriage is pacified by honoring God’s invitation, not through fleeting relationships.
5. Honoring God’s Invitation
The emptiness, loneliness, and yearning for more find fulfillment in honoring God’s invitation. Seek His wisdom, not in temporary fixes, but in the enduring principles laid out in His word. Whether single or married, the key to lasting satisfaction is found in quenching your thirst with the eternal waters of divine guidance.
Conclusion: Embracing the Everlasting Solution
In the narratives of Sally, John, and Mr & Mrs Balley, we witness the struggles of those entangled in compromises. The enduring solution lies in recognizing the divine invitation, thirsting for God’s word, and buying rightly with a heart devoted to Him.
In the quest for love and companionship, navigating the complex terrain of relationships demands both wisdom and discernment. As you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to remember that some questions don’t require divine intervention, and certain situations can be approached with the clarity that comes from understanding God’s principles.
Embracing God’s Order in Relationships
God designed us with intellect, entrusting us with the capacity to think for ourselves. In addition to endowing us with cognitive abilities, He provided guidance through His Word. His principles, clearly outlined in scripture, serve as a road map for our lives, particularly when it comes to relationships and marriage.
Seeking God’s Direction
In the pursuit of a life partner, seeking God’s direction is a common practice. However, there are aspects where God’s guidance is unnecessary because He has already provided answers in His Word. As a single individual preparing for marriage, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone is a suitable match. Some individuals are best avoided, and falling in love with them goes against the wisdom found in God’s teachings.
Avoiding Pitfalls
The Scriptures explicitly caution against falling in love with certain individuals. This isn’t merely a suggestion but a clear directive to protect us from heartache and undesirable consequences.
Identifying the Wrong Person
One key aspect emphasized is avoiding a romantic connection with a God-hater. The message is simple: do not enter into a relationship with someone who rejects God. This principle is reiterated in 2 Corinthians 6:14, emphasizing the incongruity of a partnership between light and darkness.
Deceptive Appearances
It’s crucial to recognize that a God-hater may appear pleasant and even possess material wealth. However, the Scriptures warn that such prosperity can lead to their downfall. Proverbs 1:32 underscores the peril of turning away from simplicity and the destructive nature of fool’s prosperity.
Prioritizing Spiritual Compatibility
Before succumbing to emotions and hormones, it’s imperative to consider the spiritual aspect of a potential partner. The scriptures affirm that genuine love stems from a knowledge of God, and anything professing to be love without this foundation is often mere lust.
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Attachments
For those who may find themselves entangled with someone who doesn’t share their faith, the advice is clear: get out of that love. Proverbs 6:5 urges individuals to deliver themselves from the hands of those who may lead them astray.
Already Married?
If you find yourself already married and sensing that you may have missed the mark in certain aspects, it’s crucial to approach the situation with wisdom and deliberation. In times of uncertainty, seeking counsel becomes a valuable resource, providing clarity and guidance to navigate the complexities of marriage.
Assessing Changes in Marriage
Marriage is a journey marked by growth, change, and challenges. The presence of changes does not necessarily indicate that a mistake has been made. It’s important to resist the temptation to make hasty decisions based on common challenges inherent to all marriages.
The Importance of Counsel
In moments of doubt or when facing marital difficulties, seeking counsel is a prudent course of action. Counsel offers an external perspective, often bringing insights that may not be apparent in the midst of challenges. Taking the time to consult with a trusted advisor can illuminate the path forward.
Avoiding Rash Decisions
Rash decisions made in the heat of challenges can have lasting consequences. Seeking counsel provides a buffer against impulsive actions that may not align with long-term goals for the marriage. A knowledgeable advisor can help you navigate challenges with a level-headed approach.
Understanding Common Marital Challenges
Marriage is a shared journey, and challenges are a natural part of the process. It’s essential to recognize that many couples face similar issues, and seeking counsel doesn’t imply failure but rather a commitment to growth and improvement.
Remember, the journey of marriage is dynamic, and seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness but a proactive measure to ensure a thriving and resilient relationship.
There is one truth I want to drive in this morning! Whether single or married, this truth will be helpful for you!
The devil’s attempt is always to limit us by what we see. But the scripture is clear on what we are to do regarding that! See it below:
2Co 4:17-18 (KJV) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
This One Too Shall Pass
First of all, it says our affliction is light! It is not heavy enough to kill us. God is not a taskmaster and He would not allow us to be tempted beyond our strength!
He allows tests and trials, not to kill us but to work for us eventually.
But then there is an instruction in the above verse. Do not look at those things that are disturbing you. Please don’t focus on them. There is no need for your BP to rise!
Don’t give mental consideration and acceptance to the issues you are facing. Why?
They are temporal! Glory to God. They are not eternal. They do not have a forever status! They are transient and they shall pass. That is why I like the phrase “And it came to pass”
This One Too Shall Pass
Whatever it is, my dear, that one shall pass too
Those issues that were like life and death issues some five or ten years ago, where are they now? They passed. This one too will pass!
Who then do you focus on? Focus on God and His Word. Judge Him faithful. Meditate on His goodness always and you will experience that goodness in your relationship or marriage. Good morning!
