point where you simply explode at some random moment because you “just can’t take it any more”. Mutual agreement will come from effective communication, seeing each other’s point of view and being willing to “brainstorm” and play around with ideas. You should always be willing to hear one another out – give your spouse at least 5 minutes (that’s a LONG time) to say what he/she wants to say and only interrupt if he/she repeats him/herself more than twice. Discuss long in advance ideas for holidays (don’t assume that because you went to Cape Town and enjoyed it that your spouse will always want to go there), dreams and plans for your future, plans for your children’s future and their discipline. It is so much easier to find a point of mutual agreement if you are not under pressure or making a last-minute decision. It is important that you have a vision for your lives together – for the whole of your lives. Unity is a powerful spiritual force – Ps 133:1 – where there is unity God COMMANDS His blessing – what is going to stop something that God has commanded? If you want to be effective as a team in God’s kingdom, unity is essential. Matt
18:19-20 – Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Satan’s plan is to divide you – have you so busy sparring with one another that you won’t have time to remember the power of unity. Let your focus be the kingdom of God – not your own needs or comfort (we are far too concerned about being comfortable, when God is really concerned about our character rather than our comfort.) God planned from the foundation of the world for “Christ to be formed in us” Romans 8:28 -29 - We all like to quote the bit about all things working together for good, but in this context, God planned for Christ to be formed in us, therefore whatever trials or challenges we face, we should respond as Christ would (how else do you think Christ will be formed in you?) His response to a degenerate sinful world was MERCY (not giving us what we deserve) and GRACE (giving us everything God has because of the sacrifice He made) or God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Sep~ Nov 2015 Brides Essence Digital Magazine
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