Message: Strong Marriages
We can build strong marriages by…
- Honoring our vows – Hebrews 13:4
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
- Learning to give & take – 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 NIV
Her Needs
- Affection
- Conversation
- Honesty & Openness
- Financial Support
- Family Commitment – a good father
His Needs
- Sexual fulfillment
- Recreational Companionship
- An Attractive Spouse
- Domestic Support (peace & quiet)
- Admiration
- Handling conflict constructively – Ephesians 4:25-26
Conflict resolution
- Set a time and place for discussion
- Define the problem – be specific
- List ways each of you contribute to the problem
- Brainstorm possible solutions
- Discuss and evaluate the possible solutions
- Agree upon one to try
- Agree upon how each will work toward this solution
- Set up a time to discuss progress
- Reward each other for progress
How to take a Time Out
- Recognize your need for a time-out
- Request the time-out
- Relax and calm down
- Remember what’s important
- Resume the conversation
Six Steps for Seeking Forgiveness
- Admit what you did was wrong or hurtful
- Try to understand/empathize with the pain you have caused
- Take responsibility for your actions and make restitution if necessary
- Assure your partner you will not do it again
- Apologize and ask for forgiveness
- Forgive yourself
Six Steps for Granting Forgiveness
- Acknowledge your pain and anger
- Be specific about your future expectations and limits
- Give up your right to “get even,” but insist on being treated better in the future
- Let go of blame, resentment, and negativity toward your partner
- Communicate your act of forgiveness to your partner
- Work toward reconciliation
- Weaving God into our marriages – Ecc. 4:12
- Taking enjoying each other’s companionship – Genesis 2:18