HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH JESUS

 

      8. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS - MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
Read Matthew 19: 1-12; John 13:34&35

"Healthy relationships produce healy families and mariages. The TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD is needed to develop and build these healthy relationships. Jesus is the nicest person you'll ever met, and he will help you cultivate this healthy relationship. The first thing we need to do is to LEAN ON HIM and let Him LOVE US!" Chip Judd

a) MARRIAGE - LOVE IS MUTUALLY SATISFYING

In an authentic marriage , you genuinely delight in one another's company, but you also "derive energe" from quiet times. You know how to GIVE and to RECEIVE LOVE, in both a fun and romantic way. You listen to each other and you appreciate each other's differences, learning the "language of love", taking practical steps to "nurture your marriage". 

"This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is JOINED TO HIS WIFE and the TWO ARE UNITED INTO ONE.  Since they are no longer TWO, BUT ONE, let no one split apart what God has JOINED TOGETHER." Matthew 19:5&6  (NLT)

"The MAN WHO FINDS A WIFE FINDS A TREASURE, and he receives favour from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)

It's hard to LOVE someome when you don't understand them. Some of the most common keys to authenticity (languages of love) in marriage are:

* TOUCH - Kisses and hugs usually come naturally to couples. 

* VERBAL EXPRESSION - You can't help but say "I LOVE YOU".

* SERVICE - Many communicate through practical by demonstrating in practical ways.

* PROVISION - Many consider being the "breadwinner" to be greatest expression of their love. They go to great efforts to ensure their loved ones are provided for. 

* GIFT GIVERS - Some couples just love to give gifts to one another - not necesarily big ones, but they enjoy "wrapping them with love".

* SPENDING TIME TOGETHER - Fellowship and communication in marriage is very important for many couples. They schedule special time for "dates nights" or just some special time together. 

It is very important to communicate your LOVE to your partner (spouse). LOVE can transform a MARRIAGE! 

"LOVE EACH OTHER. JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU SHOULD LOVE EACH OTHER. YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

                                                                                                  John 13:34&35 (NLT)

"What is an authentic, LOVING MARRIAGE? It's when DIFFERENCES are seen as BLESSINGS; where REAL LOVE and routine gives way to conversation, fun and romance. Devoting time to common fun interests, and sharing goals. Renew your committment to building the kind of marriage God wants to ENJOY."                                                                                                                                Gary Chapman 

                                             b) FAMILY - THE HIGH CALL OF PARENTING

Todays children and teenagers live in a different world. Another reason why their behaviour has changed, is that parents are finding life a lot more difficult. It is harder to be positive role models with all the new technology. Times have definitely changed!

When I was a child, I spent most of my time outdoors - climbing trees, riding my bike, going to the park with my friends. Now my grandchildren spend most of their time on the SCREEN, there is a lot more PEER PRESSURE; and we hear about nuclear threats and increased sexual and domenstic abuse.  Their parents face a lot of economic and environmental instability. Christian parents need to STAND FIRM in this changing world to "instill in their children strength, integrity and values". 

Raising children is a REAL CHALLENGE, and mothers and fathers need to WORK TOGETHER, with EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY in raising, training, nurturing and disciplining their children. 

"And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."                                                                                                                   Ephesians 6:4 (NASB)

"You children, you must always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged."

                                                                                            Colossians 3:20&21 (NLT)

Parenting is an opportunity to invest yourselves fully into the lives of your children. They have unique talents and gifts , and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. To do this they need YOUR LOVE, TIME, DISCIPLINE and PRAYER. 

"Christian parents need to truly understand this goal of parenting - to draw out the image bearing potential of their child - become fully engaged in this challenge. Do everying you can to encouage authentic Christian growth in your children."                                                                                                            Catherine Claire Larson

I wasn't the perfect parent. But I tried my best to bring up my son, praying everyday that God would help his father and I follow in the right direction. My goal was that he would be a reflection of the image of God, living in the ways of Jesus. His daughters today face the sane pressures, if not greater, but he and his lovely wife are full engaged in in their parenting roles, and as GRANDPARENTS, all we can do is PRAY AND SUPPORT THEM.

"So God created people in His own image, God patterned them after Himself, male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27 (NCV)

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Foundation

"NEW AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION", - 1995, The Lockman Foundation

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION" - 2005, Thomas Nelson

Judd, Chip, "Healthy Relationships - Marriage", 2022, Messenger International

Chapman, Gary, "The 5 Love Languages - How to Express Heartfelt Committment to Your Mate", 1992, Northfield Publishing

Larson, Catherine Claire, "Embrace The High Call of Parenting", 2026, An Invitation to Flourish/You Tube