1. Look for the good in your marriage (in your mate).
Do your best to make it right, especially if you have invested years into it (Rom. 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…). God can turn messes into miracles and obstacles into opportunities, and remember that in every mess, there’s a message.
2. Consider all the positive things in the union.
Remember all the happy times, fun times, romantic times, and what you have built together. Keep intimacy fresh and make each other feel important. A man can function fairly well if intimacy goes from the marriage, but a woman cannot live in an emotionally stable way without it, whether she is 23 or 83. Don’t let boredom enter into your marriage, keep love alive. John 10:10b says, “I’ve come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” Start complimenting and exhorting one another (Eph. 4:32). Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Prov. 25:11).
3. Ask for each other’s forgiveness.
Ask God to forgive you and ask your partner to forgive you (James 5:16). Eph. 4:31-32, Matt. 18:21-22, Matt. 5:23-24,
4. Learn to work out, work through, and communicate properly, problems and challenges.
Let’s grow up and be open for change (Eph. 4:15, 2 Peter 3:18)! Remember that the mind is not new, but it is constantly being renewed. Know that God is able (Eph. 3:20); Is there anything too hard for God (Gen. 18:14)?
5. If at all possible, don’t ever contemplate divorce!
God is a restorer (Psalms 23:3). He brings life back into situations. Romans 13:14 tells us to make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts, and John 10:10 says to give him no pleasure. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. Resist him! Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). We are conquerors (Romans 8:32-34). Allow nothing to separate you.
6. Develop a personal private prayer life and start praying together. Alone, one can put a thousand to flight, however, when you and your spouse are in agreement, you can put ten thousand to flight. I am referring to enemy forces (Luke 18:1, Eph. 6:18, Deut. 32:30).
7. To the husband, love your wife as Christ loved the church.
Listen to your wife, learn your wife, understand your wife. Spend time together, know your wife, and communicate with your wife.
8. To the wife, give your husband respect.
(Eph. 5:33) Submit to his leadership, learn your husband, understand your husband. Do not trouble your own house (Prov. 11:29).
Pastors Jesse and Brenda McNeil are Assistant Pastors at Word Alive Ministries, Inc. in Lakeland, Florida. They are committed marriage and family pastors, advisors, and teachers, offering premarital preparation, personal advisory, post marital advisory, and wedding services to any-one who desires. Pastor Jesse is also the author of the very influential book, “Powerful Principles for Choosing a Marriage Partner.” The McNeils have been married for more than 42 years and have worked together as a dynamic, unified ministry team for over 36 years. You are sure to be blessed and in-spired by their awesome ministry.
Family Focus Ministry
Pastors Jesse & Brenda McNeil
Every person is worth understanding!
Services Offered:
Premarital Preparation, Post Marital Advisory,
Marriage Ceremonies, Seminars & Speaking Engagements
For comments or questions email us at: ffm@tampabay.rr.com
or call 863-944-2283 or 863-944-0762
