November 12, 2023
Topic: HONOURING GOD IN THANKSGIVING IN MY MARRIAGE
Text: Genesis 2 : 18 – 24
Memory Verse: “Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2: 24.
Marriage is the oldest institution known to man. It dates back to creation and the Garden of Eden. God performed the first marriage ceremony, and gave away the first bride. Before Adam, stood a being so beautiful, noble and altogether lovely. It was love at first sight. Joining their hands, both walked away together under the smiling benediction of their Creator. God’s primary purpose for marriage was and is to make two people happy. It is the beginning of a lifelong experience of thinking, talking planning, hoping and praying together. Marriage is a journey of no return.
Today, is God honoured in my marriage? The number of divorce is on the rise even among Christians. What has gone wrong? In order that God might be honoured in thanksgiving in our marriage, the following must be considered again.
- Unity must be preserved at all cost. Both the man and the woman should see two hearts laid upon an altar that is aglow with fire of divine love, fused and forged into one sacred instrument for God. The vital unity must be surrounded: with the walls of God’s love, loving words and deeds, natural thoughtfulness, tolerance and forgiveness, above all, a determination to stick together always, come what may.
- Settle misunderstanding at once: Two people coming into marriage are of different background and upbringing and are bound to have misunderstandings. It is unrealistic to expect otherwise. These are part of the adjustments that marriage entails. They should never be allowed to develop into long-drawn misunderstandings. Read Ephesians 4: 1-3, 26.
- Keep confidence: Right from inception, resolve that there are some things you will not tell anybody. Keeping your innermost secrets to yourselves, not even the best of old friends or close relations should be considered.
- Let love prevail: Do not allow the flame of love to die out, keep it alive. Whatever might have been said or done, the hurts will be healed; mistakes, impatience and unkindness will be forgotten. Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8) Read Ephesians 5:25-31 also.
- Let God Direct: when husband and wife put God first in everything and look up to Him for direction in all their affairs, that marriage will not brake-up. They will be blessed with peace, harmony and contentment. Unity of worship, devotion and sacrifice will keep the marriage durable.
Be prepared to condone insult or whatever is thrown at you for the sake of Jesus Christ, so that people will glorify God in thanksgiving for your marriage.
Prayer: Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Lord, may grace from you help me to honour your holy name in thanksgiving in my marriage. Amen.