Living Free - Oct. 10, 2007
Today's Scripture
Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. Ephesians 5:22-23 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a beautiful picture of the marriage relationship according to God’s plan, and relates this relationship to that of Christ and the church. These biblical principles of how the marriage relationship is to function provide a great resource for maintaining a healthy marriage, including proper anger management. In this passage Paul challenges husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and wives to practice loving submission to loving authority. If we will make a commitment as a couple to fulfill our biblical responsibilities, we will be less likely to compete, fight, boss or show selfishness in our marriage.
Power and control seem to be the over-riding issues that lock many couples into an endless “tug of war.” Christian marriage should not be a power struggle. It should not be “I will if you will.” Instead, as we each focus on meeting our own individual responsibilities to fulfill our biblical roles as husband and wife, we will achieve the harmony described in this passage.
Consider this…
In a situation of potential conflict with your spouse, take time to ask yourself this question: “How will the presence of Jesus Christ in my life affect the way I respond to my mate and this situation?”
Prayer
Father, help me to fulfill my biblical role in my marriage. Help me to have the right attitude and to respond to my spouse in love. In Jesus’ name …
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant. Few of us have been taught to live with our feelings. We have been taught to think, but feelings often overwhelm and master the Christian. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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