Malachi 2:14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the

wife of your marriage covenant.

Marriage is important because family relationships are important:

1. In the beginning: Created man and woman.

2. Kingdom of heaven- like a wedding feast

3. First miracle- in a wedding.

4. Illustration of our relationship with God- a marriage.

5. In the new earth- marriage feast.

Yet, families are in trouble.

Divorce: The divorce rate in America

for first marriage is 41%, second marriage is 60%,

third is 73%.

Abuse

In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports, an estimated 6 million children.

Abandonment

- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, "Fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol

abuse."

A. From conflict to complement.

Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with each other.

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary

people. And don’t think you know it all! ”

We are different in three areas:

1.How we relate to each other.

Introvert-Extrovert

2. How we see life.

Spontaneous- Systematic

3. How we make decisions.

Facts- feelings

B. From selfish to selfless.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.

Andrew J. Holmes

At the root of every sinful act, every hurtful word, every

inappropriate thought lies one common denominator:

Selfishness. 

 God calls us to selflessness, the act of sacrificing one’s own interest for the greater good.

1.Before marriage: “Scientists find that cohabitation cuts down on commitment. The message of living together is "I'd really like to take just a part of you right now, maybe sometime later I'd take every part of you". The relationship DEFINES itself by a holding back of total commitment.

(The Ring Makes All The Difference) 

2. During marriage:

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Steering Clear, p. 31-34:a.Basic Selfishnessb. Living in fantasy.c.Boredom and lack of purpose.d.High risk takers.e. What I have is not enough.f. Soft on yourself and hard on others.g. Pride and low self-esteem: a paradox.

C. From crisis to Christ.

*Tamar-had issues with in-laws, no luck in marriage.*Rahab- was a prostitute.*Ruth- immigrant, widow.*Manasseh- blood-thirsty king.*Jacob- deceived his own father.*His family called him crazy. Did not believe in Him.

Which teaches us two things:1. Jesus’ family had issues you can relate to.

2. Jesus’ family had issues they needed to be redeemed from.

Acts 16:29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

Acts 16:33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.