BUILDING AND MAINTAINING LOVE IN MARRIAGE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Supporting Texts: Song of Solomon 8:7, Ephesians 5:25-33, Colossians 3:14, Proverbs 5:18-19
INTRODUCTION:
Love is the foundation of a strong and lasting marriage. However, love must be nurtured, protected, and cultivated for it to grow. Many marriages begin with deep affection but struggle over time due to neglect, unresolved conflicts, and life pressures. God desires that couples build their love on His principles and keep their affection strong. This sermon explores biblical ways to build and maintain love in marriage.
1. UNDERSTANDING LOVE IN MARRIAGE
- a) Love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)
- True love requires patience, forgiveness, and kindness.
- b) Love is not selfish or proud (1 Corinthians 13:5)
- Self-centredness destroys love; humility strengthens it.
- c) Love is a commitment, not just an emotion (Colossians 3:14)
- Emotions fluctuate, but true love is an intentional choice.
- d) Love grows through sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25)
- Christ’s love for the Church is the model for marital love.
- e) Biblical Example: Jacob and Rachel
- Jacob’s love for Rachel endured trials and sacrifices (Genesis 29:18-20).
2. WAYS TO BUILD LOVE IN MARRIAGE
- a) Prioritise your spouse (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Love grows when couples prioritise each other over personal interests.
- b) Communicate regularly and sincerely (Proverbs 15:1)
- Open and honest communication strengthens love.
- c) Spend quality time together (Ecclesiastes 9:9)
- Intimacy grows through shared experiences and time.
- d) Express love through words and actions (Song of Solomon 4:7-10)
- Compliments, appreciation, and affectionate gestures keep love fresh.
- e) Biblical Example: Isaac and Rebekah
- Isaac expressed love and comforted Rebekah (Genesis 24:67).
3. MAINTAINING AFFECTION AND INTIMACY
- a) Affection should not fade over time (Proverbs 5:18-19)
- Couples should continue to cherish each other.
- b) Resolve conflicts quickly (Ephesians 4:26)
- Holding grudges kills love; forgiveness keeps love alive.
- c) Encourage each other spiritually (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Praying and studying the Bible together deepens emotional intimacy.
- d) Physical intimacy is essential (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
- God designed physical intimacy to strengthen marital love.
- e) Biblical Example: The Shulamite woman and her husband
- Their love was filled with passion and admiration (Song of Solomon 7:10-12).
4. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TO LOVE
- a) Avoid distractions that weaken love (Mark 10:9)
- Work, social media, or other commitments should not replace marital attention.
- b) Forgive and move forward (Colossians 3:13)
- Bitterness destroys love; forgiveness restores it.
- c) Support each other emotionally and spiritually (Galatians 6:2)
- Marriage thrives when couples bear each other’s burdens.
- d) Keep romance alive (Proverbs 30:18-19)
- Thoughtful surprises, date nights, and appreciation rekindle love.
- e) Biblical Example: Boaz and Ruth
- Boaz’s love was expressed through kindness and protection (Ruth 3:10-11).
5. MAKING CHRIST THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE
- a) Love grows when Christ is at the centre (1 John 4:7)
- True love comes from God, and couples should rely on Him.
- b) Pray for your marriage daily (Matthew 18:19)
- Prayer strengthens love and unity.
- c) Obey God's principles for marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)
- Love flourishes when couples follow God’s design.
- d) Stay committed despite challenges (Romans 8:35-39)
- Love remains strong when couples refuse to give up.
- e) Biblical Example: Mary and Joseph
- Their love endured societal challenges and God’s divine call (Matthew 1:18-25).
CONCLUSION:
Love in marriage must be intentionally built and maintained. By prioritising God, each other, and biblical principles, couples can experience lasting love, joy, and unity in their marriage.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, fill my marriage with true love and understanding.
- Every force fighting love in my marriage, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
- Father, help us to communicate effectively and sincerely.
- Let my marriage be filled with affection and joy.
- Lord, help us to overcome every challenge that weakens love.
- Every root of bitterness and unforgiveness, be uprooted.
- Lord, restore love and romance in our marriage.
- We declare that Christ is the foundation of our home.
- Let our love grow stronger each day in Jesus’ name.
- Our marriage will be a testimony of divine love and unity.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
- Your marriage shall be a fountain of love and joy!
- Every attack on your marital love is broken today!
- The fire of affection in your marriage will never go out!
- The Lord will remove every barrier to love in your home!
- Your marriage shall be a testimony of divine love!
- Every spirit of division is cast out of your marriage!
- You shall experience deeper intimacy and unity!
- The Lord will renew and refresh your love daily!
- No power will break the bond of love in your marriage!
- Your home shall be a model of Christ-like love and commitment!
No comments:
Post a Comment