Text: Mark 10:2-12
Memory verse:
“Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.””
Mark 10:9
Billy Graham, who passed on few years ago at 99 years and who was acclaimed as one of the greatest evangelists who had ever lived and one of the most influential men in history once stated, “Ruth and I don’t have a perfect marriage, but we have a great one”. He further remarked, “ Ruth and I are happily incompatible”. Graham’s 65 years marriage to Ruth, whom he called “the most incredible woman I’ve ever known” is one of the greatest lasting love stories of our time and a major reason his ministry succeeded where others failed
Marriage is a commitment and a covenant relationship and not a contract. Like someone once said, “Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left”. A contract has a condition, the “if”. In our text, our Lord shows that marriage is not a loose relationship but a lasting one. If bailing out option or alternative is provided, you can be sure that man will always have some reasons to justify it. Moses’ law already provided that option but “because of the hardiness of your hearts” (Mark 10:5). However, He referred them to God’s original plan and the ideal. Commitment doesn’t mean agreement on everything. You might even argue and get angry over a matter but you get over it, forgive, forget and move on. We are committed to each other through the good times and the tough times, just as God is to us. Believe this, no two people are completely compatible or perfect. Ruth Graham said, “If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.”
Friends, be committed to your relationship and enjoy togetherness. Every youth and intending couple must know this – marriage is a commitment and not a feeling, that soon wears out..
Prayer points
1. Father, forgive me for every lack of commitment in my attitude and help me to grow in commitment in Jesus name
2. Father, visit every couple whose commitment is being eroded and restore their first love in Jesus name
Today’s declarations
1. Commitment is not a feeling but a determination to keep to my words even after the mood I said it in has gone
2. If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng