Marriage Helps #4
Pastor’s exhortations to couples at their wedding ceremony continue.
Marriage also requires a couple to “get engaged” with a commitment to humble conflict resolution.
Friction and conflict are sure to come, so keep short accounts with God and with each other where sin is concerned.
Whenever you sin, remember that the gospel comes first.
Remember that you need the Savior. So, keep short accounts with God. In Christ He gives sinners like you acceptance. In Christ He makes sinners like you able to put off sinning and to pursue righteousness. Be quick to confess your sins, because “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness . . . and if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself it the propitiation for our sins (I John 1:9-2:2).” “But walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh . . .But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:16, 22, 23).”
When your sin causes the “collateral damage” of conflict and friction in your marriage, remember that the gospel comes first.
Remember that you need the Savior. So, keep short accounts with one another. Be quick to acknowledge your personal sin to your spouse, to seek their forgiveness, to pursue reconciliation. Be committed to forgiving each other. “For if you forgive men for their transgressions, then your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions (Matthew 6:14, 15).” Maintain a fervent desire to be at peace, to bear no grudge, to indulge no bitterness. Remember the parable of the unmerciful slave. “You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you entreated me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy on you? (Matthew 18:21-35).”
Learn to apply Luke 17:3-4. “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
