Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Keys to a Lasting Marriage [Part 4]

Topic: Keys to a Lasting Marriage [Part 4]

Dear Reader,

I hope you have been enjoying this month’s teaching. Be blessed again today in Jesus’ name! This week, I will be teaching on Love: The lasting ingredient.

Love is the most important lasting ingredient in any successful family. If members of the family love each other, they will be more tolerant and forgiving, and they will be willing to support weaker members of the family. The only type of love that can stand the test of time and last, is God-kind of love – the unconditional love.

The apostle Paul describes the characteristics of a true love as the unselfish concern for other people: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Paul’s words equated loving someone with being willing to suffer for or with that person. True love, as defined in the Bible, requires a willingness to suffer patiently for or with someone, for, if necessary, a lifetime. This kind of love comes by choice, not by accident. This love demonstrates an unselfish concern for others, even when showing such love is difficult or inconvenient.

Love is much more than a vague emotion or physical attraction. Practising real love requires a conscious choice and determination. Genuine love resolves to show kindness and patience in the face of suffering. It does not return evil for evil (Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). People who exemplify this kind of love follow the example of God Himself, who “is kind to the unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35).

Love suffers long and is kind. Paul continued, love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails (verses 4-8). This kind of love will sustain a relationship at all times.

PRACTICAL WAYS YOU CAN EXPRESS YOUR LOVE TO YOUR SPOUSE

Spoil your spouse:

Little things mean a lot. A husband opening the door for his wife or a wife cooking her husband’s favourite dish are simple ways to say, “I love you” and “You are important to me.”

Offer sincere praise and verbally express your love. Say, “I love you” and “Thank you,” everyday.

Keep disagreements private:

Do not fight with or criticize your mate in front of others, especially children, in-laws, friends, etc.

Spend time together:

Spending time together is an investment in your marriage. You can go on vacation, etc.

Appreciate your partner’s admirable qualities: Pay more attention to positive than negative traits in your mate.

Give:

Gifts do not have to be expensive. Handwritten notes or a little kind of expression of love means a lot. Remember, Solomon gave a thousand burnt offerings, in order to express his love for God. What an expression of love!

God demonstrated His love by giving us His only begotten Son in the person of Jesus Christ, to die for mankind. To appreciate this kind of love, you must surrender your life to the One who shed His blood for you on the cross of Calvary. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready to surrender your life to Christ, please say this prayer:

“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores:

Marriage Covenant
Making Marriage Work
Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).