Marriage Reflections by Patricia Gilkes

Today we are celebrating marriage and the gift that God has given to us in the mates that we have chosen. A few years ago for some and for others maybe several months have passed since we made the decision to declare before God and man that we would love, honor and obey our spouses, in good times and tough times, in sickness and in health. We had planned a spectacular wedding event, endured the endless shopping expeditions, attended all the premarital seminars and resolved the various disagreements that arose along the way.

On our wedding day we proclaimed to the world our undying love for one another and vowed to always stay together! The stress of the wedding day passed and we went on the honeymoon, and we returned rejuvenated, ready to face the world as one, destined to overcome life’s challenges together. Today we reflect on that first year, after life has gotten a hold of us and we ask ourselves, what do I do now? What is God’s purpose for my marriage?

Genesis 2:24 states “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united to his wife and they will become one flesh.” King Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

We are here to help

If you are experiencing challenges in your relationship and would like to discuss it with a volunteer, or have the group pray for your situation, please contact us at info@marriagementoring.org .

Scripture Corner

Post Date 5/09/07

Galatians 3: 1-5 NIV

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly protrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing-if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

Paul's admonishment of the Galatians holds true for every married person who complains about his/her spouse. If your spouse sins or offends you in some way, then you would do well to consider this passage. As time goes on in our marriage, we tend to be less forgiving of our spouse's character flaws. We begin the marriage in the right Spirit (some of us) but soon begin to attain our goals by human efforts. Your feeble efforts will only last so long before your relationship degenerates to a matter of law. The willful act of loving your spouse can only be sustained by the Spirit. By the Spirit, one can endure long suffering, even in Marriage, for the glory of God. Persevere in your faith and God will do a miraculous thing in your marriage. If you want to observe the law with your spouse, then the penalty will be more than either of you can handle.

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