"Marriage is the home of spiritual relationship (institution) established by God for man's good and God's glory." - Rev. Davis Osei.
Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it...."
Zig Ziglar writes, "Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understand that they are on the same side."
"Marriage is the home of spiritual relationship (institution) established by God for man's good and God's glory." - Rev. Davis Osei.
Again, marriage is a life long union between one man and one woman.
Here are 10 key suggestions to building a successful and lasting marriage:
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATE... THE RIGHT SPOUSE
1. "Young people get caught up in the romance and the physical attraction, and they don't consider whether the object of their attraction will help or hinder them in their spiritual development.
Ask yourself this question: Will this person help or hinder you from going to Heaven?
Just because a person falls in "love", doesn't necessarily mean that the person you "love" would make a good spouse.
2. Hormones need to be governed by a reason.
3. God made us creatures of choice.
4. In fact, our lives are a product of the choices we make."The three D's of life... Decisions, Determined and Destines
2. REMAIN SEXUALLY PURE UNTIL MARRIAGE
1. Some do... Many don't. Your marriage will have a greater chance of success if you do.
2. God can forgive you.... And people who love you can too.
3. Young people today who are taking a stand against pre-marital sex are to be applauded.
3. BE COMMITTED
1. "Be committed" to each other and to making the marriage work.
2. A few generations ago, marriages were stable and divorce was not as wide spread as it is today.
3. Divorce should not be considered an option when things are not going well within the marriage.
4. There are situations, of course, where there is abuse and infidelity which cannot, and should not be tolerated. Nonetheless, sexual unfaithfulness is the only grounds for a scriptural divorce.
4. ACCEPT GOD'S PLAN FOR THE FAMILY
1. Let Christ be the head of the family.
2. Let the Husband be the Spiritual leader in the home.
3. Let the husband love his wife more than he loves his own body.
4. Let the wife love her husband and live in submission to him.
5. Let the children obey their parents.
6. Let the parents bring their children up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord."Ephesians 6:4
5. DO NOT WITHHOLD LOVE AND AFFECTION FROM YOUR SPOUSE.
1. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 forbids it.
2. "Don't use your affection and intimacy as a weapon to get your own way.
3. God has given specific instructions about the physical relationship between husband and wife.
6. LISTEN TO ONE ANOTHER
7. HELP YOUR SPOUSE AND FAMILY TO GO TO HEAVEN
1. Teach the gospel of Christ to every family member... And leave it before them.
2. Be faithful in attendance of the worship services.
3. Be active in the Lord's work.
4. Have family devotionals at home.
5. Read Bible stories to your children daily before bedtime.
6. Pray together as a family... Call family member's names to God in prayer.
7. Never give up trying to help each family member grow into the image of Christ.
8. CONTRIBUTE TO EACH OTHER'S HAPPINESS
1. Rodney Dangerfield said: "My wife and I were happy for twenty years, then we met." He said: "I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her."
2. Max Kaufman said: "I never knew what real Happiness was until I got married and by then it was too late."
3. Groucho Marx said: "I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury."
4. Zsa Zsa Gabor said: "A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished."
5. Husbands, The three most important words in a marriage..."I love you."
The four most important words , "I'll do the dishes."
6. People jokes a lot about marriage.... But marriage is serious business.
9. BE WILLING TO SAY "I'M SORRY"
1. Be sincere and really mean it.
2. When you are wrong, apologize and try to make improvements.
10. BE WILLING TO FORGIVE
1. When wronged by your spouse, forgive.
2. Once you forgive, put it behind you...do not bring it up again.
In conclusion, Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it..."
Bob the Builder says, " Can we build it?.... Yes we can! God is more than willing to help you build your marriage if you are willing to build it the right way..... According to His will.
God is more than willing to help you build a strong Christian home and family if you are willing to build it the right way. According to his will. Are you willing to work with Him to that end?
Your marriage can be made Successful... One day at a time will equal a lifetime of happiness and completeness. God wants you to have a successful Christian marriage and home.
Kind regards,
REV. DAVIS OSEI.
TUTOR, THE SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP.