Ministering: Senior Pastor Shola Awobajo.
Text: 1 Cor. 3:9-15.
” 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Love is the fabric that holds the Church together. Today, many homes are not together. A decadence in marriages often lead to a downturn in the nation as a whole. The pillar of a nation is the Church, and healthy homes translate to a healthier Church. The rate of divorce today in US is alarming – at least of 44% of marriages in 2019 ended in divorce. Survey also states the main reason for the divorce was due to lack of commitment and incompatibility. The survey also states that 67% of 2nd marriages failed, so it appears divorce is usually not the best option. God is the only lasting solution to any marital issue. Without The Word of God as the guide of any marriage, the outcome is usually unpalatable. Divorce is not the original intention of God (Matt. 19:8).
Our marriages have to go back to the basics of God’s principles. Acquiring knowledge & wisdom is the principal thing. Just as any lasting building is built with quality materials, any marriage that will last has to be deliberately built with Wisdom and Knowledge from God’s Word. It takes more than “emotional love” to sustain any marriage. Money is also not necessary the solution to marital issues. Beauty as well is also not a sustainable ingredient for a lasting marriage.
Lack of investment of time for each other and in The Word are the ruins of many marriage. Almost every conflict in marriages is due to unfulfilled needs. No human is complete, he/she has needs that needs to be met. God brings couples together to meet the needs of each other. Every relationship must be worked upon to succeed & last.
The Needs of a Man
- Sexual fulfillment
- Recreational companionship – Gen. 26:8
- An attractive wife
- Domestic support (a haven/peace at home)
- Admiration, honor and respect
The Needs of a Woman
- Affirmations of your affection & love for her
- Care & fondling
- Constant communication (quality time of undivided attention)
- Openness & honesty
- Financial support
- Commitment to the family (more than any external party)
- Women cherish being defended (especially against unkind relatives)
Common Needs for Both Parties
- Cover each other’s weaknesses
- Practice constant forgiveness
- Serve one another – Rom. 12:10
- Always follow the leadings of The Holy Spirit
- Pray together and always intercede for one another
In closing, Romans 12:9-13 – “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality”. Our marriages are treasures, let’s tend and keep it with all diligence.
God Bless You!
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