Marriage and Relationships in the Church

Marriage and relationships in the church. I think that's a subject that God wants discussed probably as much as possible. Now I'm in a category shared by a minority thankfully a minority in the church whose mate died and sub subsequently remarried. Now, no matter how good you think your first marriage was, you still think back about, you know, what you lacked, things un you left unresolved, maybe arguments you had, maybe selfish behavior that you exhibited, and you want to do better.

You want to live every day to the full with your new mate. Now God forgives us but we must change as we see the need. Now because of our situation uh my wife and I both of our mates died of cancer. We both understand the feelings and want to leave no stone unturned in having a marriage pleasing to God. Now, I have to assume that all people in God's church want their marriage and their personal relationships to be good and pleasing to God.

If not, I think you're in the wrong place. Now, I mention all of this because sometimes I see and hear of marital problems that seem to pres persist and I want to take those people aside and say, "Do you understand what you're doing?" I mean, it really hurts me when I see somebody, married couple, arguing. You know, what are you doing? What if your mate died tonight? Would you be haunted by what you said or didn't do in maintaining a godly relationship? Do we take too much for granted? Do we in the church with God's Holy Spirit

leading us have to learn everything through the college of hard knocks? Or can we hear and meditate on and put into practice godly principles that will give us peace of mind wholesome relationships, fewer regrets. These principles will build trust and faith in God so that no matter what trial besets us even to the loss of a loved one.

We can know and know that we know you know that God is there and that eventually all things will work out for the best. We can be thankful for what God provided us and we'll be able to look back with appreciation and feeling positive about how we behaved in our relationships and then we can move forward move forward understanding his plan and which we will want to keep you know learning and growing in.

I have to believe that that God wants us to hear and study and choose life. I don't think he wants us to suffer needlessly and go through that tough college. He wants us to use his spirit to make godly decisions that will demonstrate through us his love for all humanity by how we love him and how we love other other people.

One of the most profound relationships human can enjoy and experience that love and that giving attitude is through marriage. It teaches us about God and his love and his relationship with Christ and about Christ and his love and his relationship with the church. Human marriage is the active form of God's government on earth.

It's not just theory but active. I wonder what two people are learning about Christ and the church and God and Christ when they are name calling, putting one another down or you know not speaking to one another. We need to see marriage as more much more than just a man and a woman living together raising a family.

With all of that in mind, I would like to expand on marriage, how husbands and and wives see the world a little differently, what God expects of us, and how to communicate better. Now, I hope to expand your outlook and perhaps see others in a new light. It is by no means limited to married people, you know, and this is not just for married people because everything here can be applied to how we all deal and communicate with one another.

We really are in a a spiritual spousal relationship with Christ. So, it affects us all even if you're not, you know, married couple. Now, a lot of the terminology I will use and and outline for this sermon came from a a book Joy and I came across and we found very useful. Actually, it was it was two books by Dr.

Emerson Edgar Riches. Love and respect was one of them and the second entitled cracking the communication code. They are both spiritually based and full of practical suggestions. Uh, of course there are a few things you have to filter out, you know, like maybe going to heaven or something. But let's just start with an area of scripture we've all heard many times.

Let's go to Ephesians 5:22. Ephesians 5:22 through 20 uh through 333. Now, you might want to put a marker in Ephesians 4 and five. We'll be going back and forth to that throughout the sermon. Verse 22 of Ephesians 5. Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church, and he is the savior of the body.

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that he might present her her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

So hus husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. And for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, verse f verse 33. Nevertheless, let each of you, each one of you in particular, so love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. See verse 33 is a foundation foundational verse. A man is to love his wife and a wife is to respect her husband.

This verse seems to be one of those statements of an unconditional nature. The man must love his wife. The wife must respect her husband. It doesn't say I will love her if she respects me or I will respect him if he loves me. When it says the husband must love his wife and the wife must respect her husband, that includes respect for the wife and love for the husband.

It's just that the women women are especially wired to need love and men are need respect and so it's emphasized that way. Now all marriages seem to go through cycles. Hopefully most of the time we are in number one a positive uplifting cycle of mutual goodwill and cooperation. We face problems together.

We enjoy being together. The husband loving his wife and the wife respecting her husband. But then what? You know, they're still human. Cycle two, things happen. Hubby comes home from work, an exhausting day at work. He was yelled at by the boss. There was a traffic jam. Car overheated. He just wants a little comfort and understanding at home.

But guess what? The wife has had the same kind of day. Maybe she works in an office and the same problems existed or she had additional needs with uh you know with the needs of her children. They were giving her a problem. She needs tender, loving care and relief. They both see their own needs as the most important.

So that's cycle two, which leads to further words, less love, less respect, an explosive downward negative spiral ensues. I think we've all been there leading to anger, resentment, and silent treatments. I hope to point out some ways to end that cycle, you know, a little later in the sermon.

But there is a third cycle referred to in the love and respect books as the rewarded cycle. This states that his love blesses regardless of her respect. Her respect blesses regardless of his love. Now, how do you initiate this cycle from the same book, Love and Respect? quote, "No matter how negative a marriage may be at the mo moment, seemingly stuck on that negative cycle, the husband must choose to love unconditionally and or the wife must choose to respect unconditionally.

You know, there are no ifs, ands or buts, no setting a human stat standard or bargaining along the lines. all start talking respectfully when he starts to deserve it or I'll use more loving words when she starts showing me a little respect." In other words, someone has to step forward and break that cycle. This is where conversion steps forward and says, "Wait a minute.

Wait a minute." It takes guts. It takes humility. It takes selfless long-term thinking and it takes God's help and prayer to do that. When someone has just ridiculed you or spoken harshly or or said hurtful things, that's a hard thing to do. However, the rewarded cycle is not primarily about you and your marriage. It is about you and Jesus Christ.

you respond differently because first of all you want to love, serve, and obey Christ. You know, that's a very important point about who you're trying to please. The more you grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and put on his mind, you are able to remember that you do not give in order to get. I'll only give love if I get it back.

Marriage is indeed a testing ground to learn to be one and to someday be at one with God. When we show love and respect, even when it's not returned by our spouses, God knows. God hears. That is showing unconditional love just as God shows us in our calling, our mercy, mercy and sacrifice of his son. He called us while still sinners in the world.

You know, how often could he zap us [snorts] as we really do deserve or only love us if we obeyed him perfectly? Marriage may be the most intense area to practice this, but it does apply to all of us, all of our relationships. Jesus in his sermon on the mount taught us in in Matthew 5 verse 43 and 44. Matthew 5 uh 43 and 44. You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

" But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. We're talking about a one-sided converted halt to any escalation of anger or bitterness. Peter also made this clear in in 1 Peter 2:18-23. 1 Peter 2:18. [clears throat] Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

For this is commendable if because of conscience toward God, one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. That's not a normal conscience conscience, is it to suffer wrongfully? That's that's a tough verse 20. For what credit is it if when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow his steps. Who committed no sin, or was deceit found in his mouth, who when he was reviled, did not revile in return. And when he suffered, he did not threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.

And right after that, that was 1 Peter 2:18-23. Right after that, he goes right into marriage in the same light in chapter 3. It's, you know, the same context of love and honor and respect unconditionally. Chapter 3 verse 1 and two. 1 Peter 3 1 and two. Wives likewise, you know, likewise, referring back to what he was talking about in chapter 2, like likewise be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they without a word may be one by the conduct of their wives.

when they observe your chase conduct accompanied by fear or respect. Now verse seven, husbands likewise dwell with them with understanding giving honor to the wife as to the delicate vessel and as being heirs together of the grace of life that your prayers may not be hindered. The whole relationship is set within the primary context of mutual disciplehip, equality of sunship, equality of salvation.

Now, this is foundational in that [clears throat] the only way we will ever be able to respond to others and our spouses in love and respect, stopping that downward cycle is through the love of God in us. It's the only way we can do it really. Our own human love will not sustain us very long. Having that love of God and the mind of Christ in us, giving us that deeper understanding of of what life is all about and the importance of godly relationships that will enable us to step out in in faith and be the one to

apologize. be the one to apologize or forgive or to continue to show love and respect even when it is not returned. Seems like most of our problems with relationships and again maybe especially in marriage comes from engaging the mouth before the brain is in gear. We're still human. We're trying to get, you know, let God's Holy Spirit lead us.

And as James says in James 3:2, James 3:2, for we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. So nobody's a perfect man yet. So we do all stumble. He goes on to describe just how unruly it is. [clears throat] James 3:6. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature. And it is set on fire by hell. with verse nine, with it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in the similitude of God. Verse 10, out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.

[clears throat] My brethren, these things ought not to be so. You know, one of the most [clears throat] one of the most helpful things I think I got out of the love and respect book was looking at these words in James and and how they applied to marriage. You know, [clears throat] in your notes, maybe draw a triangle.

Look at your marriage as a triangle. [clears throat] At the top of that pyramid or triangle, put Jesus Christ. put you at one corner and your spouse at the other corner. When you communicate with your spouse, whether lovingly, respectfully, or otherwise, you are communicating those same words and thoughts to Jesus Christ. He is part of us. He's in us.

Marriage is a good is a tool that reveals what is in our hearts. What is in your heart when you talk to your mate? What is in your heart when you talk to mate? Your mate is also going to Jesus Christ. You know, you might want to let that sink in for a minute. Matthew 12:34. Matthew 12:34. Brood of vipers, how can you being evil speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

Verse 37, for [clears throat] by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. We need to ask ourselves, is what I'm about to say [clears throat] going to result in my spouse feeling loved or unloved, respected or disrespected? [clears throat] And always remember and keep in mind that Jesus Christ hears both.

We speak to him first and then our spouse. And he has better hearing. Psalm 19:14. Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, the meditation of my heart, even the thoughts, the words of my mouth and even the thoughts of my heart. The meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

You know, think back. Think back about the last argument or disagreement you had with your spouse. Would the words you used to describe your husband or wife be acceptable in God's sight? Colossians 3:17. Colossians 3:1 17. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Then it goes right back into marriage again after verse 17. Verse 18 and 19. Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Now, this is true in all of our relationships, but especially marriage. If you go back to uh verse 12, Colossians 3:12-16.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. If anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Verse 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which you also to which also you were called in one body. And be thankful. one body, both marriage and the church. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

You know, when living like verse 12 through 14 talks about, you will have peace. You will have peace in church and in your marriage. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly and use them to teach and counsel and with communication being such an an important aspect of loving and respecting each other. Let's look at Ephesians 4 and 5.

We'll keep coming back to those chapters. So you want to bookmark those because that's where Paul is echoing some of these same same thoughts and gives us an outline for proper communication. We can go through those two chapters and and there's a lot in there about communication. Communication we should incorporate into our daily lives with everyone everyone in the church.

But concentrate on your on your mate. So let's look at Ephesians 4:22 through 24. That you put off concerning your former conduct the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful less and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.

You know, we've put off the old man and we're be we're beginning to think like God, trying to live righteously. So, acronyms are great tools. I've heard them used in other sermons. an acronym where you take the first letter to help us remember important things. I remember when I first came into the church boy 55 60 I don't know how many years ago it was sermonet a guy gave an acronym on how to remember the ten commandments and it helped so much I still remember that you know just the letters I won't give it here I don't want to confuse anybody

but they're great tools they really are and so we're going to examine five ways of communicating with that new mind in holiness us. The acronym we're going to use today is TUS. T UFS like toughs of grass or toughs of hair or whatever. Tuft fts. And so the number first one number one the letter T verse 25 of Ephesians.

Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. So, the first letter T of TS, we're going to call it truthful words. Probably nothing is is more destructive to a relationship and especially marriage than lying. Any lies or untruth diminish your credibility at showing love and respect.

It's also antithetical to putting on the new man in Christ. John 8:45 and 46. Christ spoke the truth. John 8:45 and 46. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? And and if I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Back to verse 44, where the lies are of Satan. You are of your father, the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.

He was a mur murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources. For he is a liar and the father of it. So the devil, that's where the lies come from. But Christ spoke the truth always. Paul taught and spoke the truth. Ephesians 4:15.

I think we're right there in Ephesians now. 4:15. but speaking the truth and love may grow up in all things unto him who is the head, Christ. Truth and love are synonymous with Jesus Christ. Going back to the concept of when speaking to our mate, we're also communing with Jesus Christ. Look at this example in Acts 5 1-4. Acts 5 1-4 [clears throat] verse one.

But a certain man named Ananas and Safhiv his wife sold a possession and he kept back part of the proceeds. His wife also being aware of it and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles feet. But Peter said,"Ananas, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and g keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.

" God hears what we say and what we think. God hears our untruthful words. Lying is not compatible with our new man of communicating with the mind of Christ. Now, just remember to use wisdom and love and respect when telling the truth. Being brutally honest is is not always the best way of showing tact or love.

There are ways of saying things in a kind and loving way. So, back to tus. Let's look at the second letter U. The second letter U in Ephesians 4:29 and 31. This is the New Living Translation. Ephesians 4:29. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

In other words, it will produce a good effect. Verse 31, get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. So, I'm condensing those down to uplifting words. The U is for uplifting words. Synonyms for uplifting, courteous, kind, encouraging, appreciative, beneficial, and positive.

Those are all uplifting words. Words are important. You know, what we say can, you know, build up or tear down. negative uh distrustful putdowns are really really hard to forget. Luke 4:22 Luke 4 22 So all bore witness to him and marveled at the gracious words what proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son? You know, that's that's an example of the way Jesus spoke. Gracious words.

We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another just as you also are doing. Comfort one another, uplift one another. a married couple who are are seeking to include include Christ in their marriage and who understand the difficulties and trials of living in this world and want to you know overcome and be the best version of themselves that they can be will speak uplifting encouraging kind words to help one another to be better to

encourage them, uplift them. They will appreciate one another and express it. Now, you know, just take a few moments and think about your spouse or think about a close friend or think about someone that needs encouraging. Think about all the things that he or she does to make your life easier or better. Take time to say kind words or grateful words are are complimentary things.

Just make sure they are said from the heart and not used in in a man manipulative way to get something that you want. If selfserving, it will backfire. [clears throat] If they see your words as a mean to an end rather than an end in itself, you will lose. So back to tus third letter F. F as in Frank. Ephesians 4:31 and32.

Ephesians 4:31 and32. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another even as Christ God in Christ forgave you. [clears throat] Number three, forgiving words. Forgiving words. Forgiveness is is central to the communication of a marriage based on love and respect.

forgiveness. We're all humans and we do things and we say things that aren't always right to stay off that negative suh cycle we talked about and and to continue to show love and respect. It's it's necessary to maintain that forgiving attitude. Forgiving others is central to our lives as Christians. Not just in marriage, but as Christians.

Jesus Christ is our example of of forgiving. Luke 23:34 Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do." and they divided his garments and cast lots. This is while he's being crucified that he's saying forgive them. The same with Steven, you know, when he was being stoned to death.

That's amazing that kind of forgiveness. But he taught that we must do likewise. Matthew 18:21-22. Matthew 18:21-22. >> [clears throat] >> Then Peter came to him and said,"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to 70 times seven.

" Not just 490. That means as many times as whatever. He then goes into an account about a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed him 10,000 talents and the master was going to put him in his whole family into slavery, but he begged for patience. Verse 27. Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

But then that servant wouldn't forgive those who owed him money. Just a small amount, even though that person begged for patience also. Now to verse 30. And he would not, but he went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. A word got back to the the headmaster in verse 33.

He said, "Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?" And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So [clears throat] my heavenly father also will do to you if each of you from his heart from his heart does not forgive his brother his trespasses.

You know we're in big trouble if we don't. As in Matthew 6:14 says Matthew 6:14 and 15. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses. You know, can we can we live as members of of Christ's body of one mind unified with an unforgiving spirit? Can you have the kind of marriage you want if you're unwilling to forgive one another for things said or done? Sometimes situations need to be be

confronted, but will they be done in a hateful hateful contemptuous words, you know, full of bitterness or with conditional love, unconditional love and respect from a spirit of forgiveness? Which way will will you do that? Now, I [clears throat] should add at this point though, abuse, addiction, adultery, there are some things that you need additional help on and advice on those kind of issues.

So, back to TUS letter T. Another letter T, our fourth letter. Ephesians 5 verse three and 4. [clears throat] Verse three of Ephesians 5. [clears throat] But fornication and uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is fitting for saints. Neither filthy filthiness nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Verse 20, giving thanks always for all the things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thankful words. [clears throat] And I appreciate uh Mr. Pate's uh sermonet on on thankfulness. I thought that was very appropriate. And something we should remember this week, well, all the time, but so thankful words.

How often do you thank your spouse for what they do every day? Every day. Too often we either take what they do for granted or feel it's your job. You know, why should I thank you? Thankfulness is a primary characteristic that God expects in us. It should be easy to find things to thank your spouses for. It should be easy to find many things to thank a lot of people for.

A lot of people in the church that do a lot of things that really they should be thanked a lot more than they probably are. You should thank God daily for your spouse. Thank God for your blessings and thank him for the strength that comes from your trials. Ask God to make you a positive, thankful person. Psalm 50 verse 23.

This is the New Living Translation. Psalm 50:23. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that honors me, that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. and Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:15. Therefore, by him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruits of our lips, giving thanks to his name.

And back to the last letter S in tus Tuft TS the last letter Ephesians 5:18 and 19. And do not be drunk with wine and which is dissipation, but be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. So let's make that last letter S scriptural words.

Scriptural words. Now those above verses are comparing the old man getting drunk on wine to the new man of being filled with the spirit, God's spirit. To be drunk on wine is self-absorbed and drink and worldly pursuits, while being filled with the spirit is focused on God and focused on his words of truth. You're allowing God's Holy Spirit to lead you and fill you with life and joy, not through the artificial means of, you know, alcohol or wine or other worldly pursuits.

Colossians 3:16. Colossians 3 verse 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and and admonishing one another and psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. See, those are scriptural scriptural words. Jesus, who we are to emulate, was an example of speaking scripturally.

you you look through and and see all the examples of where it says, "Have you not read?" He says that many times like just a couple here. Matthew 9 19 verse 4 and 5. Matthew 194 and 5. He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that he who made them at the beginning made them ma male and female and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

" You know, he he used scriptures to point out and about teaching lessons and and teaching truth. That's that's how he used those scriptural words. Mark 2:25. Just I'll read this. Mark 2:25. He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and those with him?" See, that's an example when he was teaching about the Sabbath.

In Mark 12:26, Mark 12:26, he said, "Concerning the dead that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses and the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him saying, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." You know, here he was teaching about the resurrections and and eternal life.

In Matthew 4 verse 4, this is where Christ was in the desert, you know, the time of temptation from Satan. Just briefly, Matthew 4:4. This is Christ's responses to Satan and the temptations. He said verse four, but he answered and said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

" Then verse 7, he said, "It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God." In verse 10, away with you, Satan, for it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. See, speaking scriptural words is living and talking and teaching according to God's principles and values.

You know, you don't have to go around quoting scriptures and verses, but but if your spouse, I mean, if your spouse sees you are trying to base what you say and what you do according to God's word, it will put them in a much more forgiving spirit when you mess up, when you falter. And most of all, it again comes down to the fact that it is your relationship with God and Jesus Christ that motivates you to speak this way.

The positive response from others is a byproduct. So, you know, this is this is a huge subject and and I hope you remember to unconditionally love and respect one another as unto Christ. Jesus Christ is part of our marriages and is tuned in to everything that is said and done. I think that's a big takeaway right there to unconditionally love and respect one another as unto Christ.

And then two, remember the acronym TUFTS for communicating with all people, especially our spouses. Speak truthful words. Speak uplifting words. Speak forgiving words. thankful words and scriptural words. Now, this Thanksgiving day is coming up here this week, and I think you could probably apply this if you've got a lot of company coming that are maybe not on the same spiritual tack as you or are different ages or different political views.

This would help in keeping a calm atmosphere. So in closing, let us remember that godly love, mutual respect, and open gracefilled communication within our marriages and all relationships are not just good practices. They are powerful teachers. They reveal to us deeper truths about God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.

They help prepare us for something that is much greater. A strong loving loving [clears throat] marriage gives us a foretaste of the eternal relationship God is preparing for us. Scripture tells us we're being shaped into a bride fit for Jesus Christ. Called on to take his mind, his heart, and his way of love. Right now, we're in a season of preparation.

We're in a in a espousal period learning what it means to be faithful, to be committed and unified. One day that that spiritual marriage will be fulfilled. The the bride will be made immortal and a perfect oneness with Christ will begin. That's a future I think we're all looking for with joy and reverence. So let us give thanks. Thanks for the mercy and the patience of our God who uses our physical relationships to teach us eternal truths.

Let us rejoice in the hope of the greatest marriage that's yet to come and continue preparing our hearts and lives for that glorious union with Christ.