E N D
1. Building a Better Marriage At Jesus’ Feet
3. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
John 15:4-5
“Fruit” = supernaturally good words & actions (‘fruit of the Spirit’ in Gal 5)
Assumes a relationship with Jesus
Requires time & obedience
4. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Philippians 2:3-8
A great marriage requires me to sacrifice my rights & desires, time & possessions
Either I sacrifice myself, or I sacrifice my marriage!
5. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
6. Unconditional Acceptance… Does not: ask “did I marry the wrong person?”
rehearse a list of things you don’t like
try to change your spouse
threaten to leave Does: trust in the sovereignty of God
verbalize unconditional commitment
practice thankfulness
7. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
the ability to identify with and understand somebody else's feelings or difficulties
8. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
Discover your spouse’s love language
Words of affirmation Acts of service
Quality time Physical touch
Receiving gifts
9. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
Discover your spouse’s love language
Practice walking in your spouse’s shoes
10. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
Edify with their Words
11. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
Edify with their Words
12. Become a Great Communicator Avoid: sarcasm
public critique or correction of spouse
absolute language (“you never… you always…”)
withdrawal Practice: listen before you speak
praise your spouse in private & in public
speak truth in love (truth surrounded by encouragement)
13. People who Build Great Marriages… Abide in Jesus
Practice Selflessness
Accept Others in Love
Practice Empathy
Edify with their Words
14. Application Review sermon slides w/ spouse
Read a book together this summer
A Lasting Promise: A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage Stanley, Trathen, McCain, and Bryan
The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman
Building your Mates Self-Esteem Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Don’t be afraid to get help