10 Biblical Essentials for a Great Marriage
By Brian & Cheryl Broderson
Entrust
Confirming or Conforming?
Many of us try to conform our spouses into our image because we forget that they are made in God's image and are destined to be conformed to the image of Christ. We forget that we are made and intended to complement rather than duplicate one another. If we were identical, we wouldn't grow much. God brings opposites together, or two unique individuals together, so we can both grow into a more complete person than we'd be on our own.
What area of life do you need to give over to God's care? What do you need to entrust to His capable hands and His perfect wisdom?
Eliminate
Ridding Your Life of Pornography
Pornography can be found anywhere you choose to seek it: on the Internet, on cable channels, in a stash of magazines, or in the wilds of your imagination. If pornography has become a part of your life to any degree and in any form, it must be eradicated. If you have to disconnect your Internet and cable service because of a lack of self-control, then do it! If you have to avoid stopping at places that sell pornographic or sexually charged materials, then do it!
Esteem
When I talk about esteeming your marriage, I'm really guiding you to esteem your wife. You can't, with any integrity, say that you greatly value your marriage and simultaneously disrespect or mistreat your wife. And to just say, "I esteem my wife" is not good enough—you need to show it.
Let me give a few examples of things we should never do if we are to put our actions behind our words.
1. We should never, under any circumstances, be physically abusive to our wives.
2. We should never emotionally abuse our wives
3. Never verbally abuse your wife.
Encouragement
First he tells us that we are to cherish our wives. While this word is not common in our everyday conversations, we can put it into action by holding our wives dear and lovingly caring for them. In cherishing our wives we will see them as precious, and in turn we will act compassionately and sensitively toward them.
Exemplify
Faith and Love in Action
Marriage exemplifies so many unique and wonderful attributes. A godly marriage can exhibit unity, endurance, fulfillment, joy, and happiness. It can provide security, promise, and a sense of belonging. And most importantly, it exemplifies the blessing of God. He desires to bless His institution—marriage. He wants to use your marriage to showcase His perfection and wisdom in creating men and women as distinct beings with ordained purposes.
Empathy
The Meaning of Empathy
Empathy requires that thought and consideration take place before action. Before we act on impulse, the feelings of our spouse need to be considered. It is important to ask yourself the following questions:
How would my spouse feel if they found out I did this?
Would this action be healthy or beneficial to my spouse and my marriage?
Think how many flirtations, bad decisions, and bad investments would be avoided if we took the time to think about what our wives or husbands would think.
Taken from
Growing Together as a Coupleby Brian & Cheryl Brodersen
Copyright © 2012. Used by permission of Harvest House Publishers harvesthousepublishers.com
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