MARRIAGE BUILDER: Lesson 8

The conclusion of the Marriage Builder Series focused on the three building blocks for oneness in marriage: GRACE, COMMITMENT, and ACCEPTANCE.

GRACE: In all of our relationship trials, turning despair into hope can only be done through the truth we find in the grace of God. There is no event in life for which God's grace is not sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

COMMITMENT: Having the desire to fulfill the marriage commitment is found in the goodness of God (see slide 43). It is not something you can decide to do but rather a desire that God gives you when you delight yourself in Him (Psalm 37:4).

ACCEPTANCE: We are commanded to accept our spouse (Romans 15:7). Acceptance is not always accompanied by the feeling of enjoyment and will often require forgiveness in order to reach oneness. Only one who appreciates God's forgiveness can truly forgive others.

Real COMMITMENT requires GRACE, and it is impossible to reach ACCEPTANCE without COMMITMENT. The ability to overcome relational despair is not possible through the power of our soul (mind, will, or emotions) but is only possible through the power of God through His Holy Spirit which resides in the believer.

Next week, Patrick will give an introduction to the wisdom books--one of which is Job. The wisdom books show us that God values and responds to our myriad questions and prayers. We can take comfort that no experience in our lives, whether wonderful or terrible, can place us outside the love and understanding of a gracious God. We will dive into Job the following week.

One of the most famous characters in the Bible, Job is the archetype of the “suffering saint”—a God-fearing man who experiences terrible trials and sufferings, and calls out to God for an explanation. The book does not offer an easy or simplistic answer to the problem of suffering, but finds solace in God’s sovereignty.