When we take vows, what does it mean to keep them?
Listen as Susie speaks with pastor Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv and his wife Amy about keeping the vow of marriage. Craig and Amy have co-written a new book, and they share the lessons they’ve learned about building a commitment, .
Amy starts with this powerful statement:
“For a healthy, thriving marriage, the Lord has to be first.”
What are some ways a couple can put each other first?
• Commit to a date night on a weekly basis.
Craig says he and Amy started doing this when they first came together but stopped when life got busy. The result was feeling disconnected and lonely. “Stopping that one discipline affected us in more ways than we could imagine.”
• Pray together.
In Craig’s words, “It’s really hard to fight with someone that you know you’re going to be praying with.”
• Have fun together!
Amy points out that this is one way to continue to date your spouse.
• Fight fair.
Amy points out that all marriages will have conflict, but the strongest marriages will learn how to manage that conflict. “Don’t fight to win; fight to seek resolution and be a peacemaker.” Here are some suggestions Amy and Craig offer:
– Never call names
– Never raise your voice
– Never threaten divorce
– Never get historical (bringing up past issues or sins that have been dealt with)
• Stay pure.
• Never give up.
Amy says that we can, with God’s help, maintain a strong intimacy in marriage. “It’s only by the grace of God and maturing in Him. From this day forward, I’m going to ask for God’s help and do this His way, and be better at listening, guarding my words, and fighting by the Spirit not by the flesh.”
Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:19
Theme Song: Open Up the Heavens by Meredith Andrews
