Chapter 4: Marriage: Pulling Together
When You are Pulling Apart
Questions To Ponder
1. Write down the name of a couple who has been a role model of a healthy marriage, in your life. What is it about their marriage that is special? What things do they have that you would like in your marriage?
The Darlings! Though they've had hard times and struggles along the way, they have always turned to God and let God work in their lives. These wonderful people are a living example of what the love relationship needs to be...communication, devotion, putting each other first, choosing to love when it may not be easy...They may not be perfect, but with God's help they are committed and loving each other everyday...enjoying the blessings God has for them!
2. How would you explain the statement, "God hates divorce," to someone?
Divorce was never meant to happen, it breaks a covenant made before God...it is a sin and God hates sin. But the main thing someone(especially one who has gone through divorce) needs to know is that God hates divorce, but not the divorcee's...people need to know that God will forgive them and turn their mistakes into something great!
3. What are some steps you would suggest to a person who has experienced the pain of divorce?
First of all the most important thing is to get your life right with God, and make sure that you are listening and obeying all of His commands. Making amends with you spouse may not be possible, but from this day forward you should aim to bring glory to God in all that you do, and accept the forgiveness that God offers and make sure to forgive yourself and your spouse...holding grudges will not help anyone.
4. What advice would you give a young couple who came to you regarding building a healthy marriage and family?
Here are just a few thoughts...
- Always keep God center...God allows you to love each other with His love, when your ability to love ends.
- Make sure you always try to communicate clearly, and try to see things from your spouses frame of view.
- Make plans together, play together, work on your relationship daily, and always pray together.
