LISTEN to the message HERE.
MESSAGE NOTES
“Happy marriages are based on deep friendship. By this I mean a mutual respect for and enjoyment of each other’s company. These couples tend to know each other intimately – they are well versed in each other’s likes, dislikes, personality quirks, hopes and dreams. They have an abiding regard for each other and express this fondness not just in the big ways but in the little ways day in and day out…Friendship fuels the flames of romance because it offers the best protection against feeling adversarial toward your spouse.” (John Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work)
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Exodus 33:11
Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers. Song 5:1
…he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this my friend Songs 5:16
1. Friends Invest
2. Friends Have Fun
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:9-10
3. Friends Accept
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6
4. Friends are Dependable
A friend loves at all times… Proverbs 17:17
THINK ABOUT IT
Which of the different relational stances describes where you are today?
What is one thing you can do practically to be face to face on the last day of your marriage?
