Are you as a couple working toward a portrait of what your lives will look like in 20 years….or are you on separate paths?

This is a great little message that will help you as a couple in the University of Marriage paint one portrait throughout your lives.

“a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. ²⁵ The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”   Genesis 2:21 (NIV)

1. MARRIAGE MYTHS.

1. Marriage will meet ALL MY NEEDS.

2. Marriage will end my LONELINESS.

3. Marriage will heal my BROKENNESS .

4. Marriage will ensure my HAPPINESS.

2. WHAT A STRONG MARRIAGE LOOKS LIKE.

Six “Cs” you can see in a strong marriage

1. Commitment     2. Communication     3. Compatibility

4. Control     5. Consideration      6. Coping Skills

3. HOW TO BUILD A HEALTHY MARRIAGE.

Learn to LOVE.

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents… Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” Ephesians 5.1-2 (The Message)

Practice FORGIVENESS.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3.14

Accentuate the POSITIVE.

“Finally, brother, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4.8

Place yourself in SUBMISSION.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5.21

4. Keep at IT  –   keep at IT  –  Keep at IT.

Keep painting the portrait of your lives together…Keep the colors flowing and keep the passion growing.