Text: Matthew 17:24-27
Memory verse:
“submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬
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Have you ever heard a wife describe her husband, as a perfect man? Hmm! Perfect? Don’t ever believe such for a minute! Or she could just be acting in faith! Outside that, no perfect husband or perfect wife.
One day, one of our sons, disturbed with the constant strife and fight in a family he stayed with at a particular time, sought for counsel from his friend. He told him how strange it was to him because he had never seen his parents like that! The truth is that, my wife and I do have differences and argue but we never allow it to get beyond our necks to our hearts.
Relationship is about making sacrifices. You have to know that your spouse is not perfect neither are you, so you must be ready to overlook somethings. You may ask, ‘For how long?’ For as long as you also are not perfect! Relationship stick together when spouses are willing to make positive compromises. Even though Jesus knew that citizens weren’t expected to pay taxes, yet He and His disciples still paid, for the reason that “we don’t upset them needlessly” (Matt 17:27 MSG). You must learn to agree to disagree. Act as partners and not as a village headmaster or headmistress.Your spouse is your partner or companion (Mal 2:14; 1 Pet 3:7). A partner makes suggestions and allows the other to express his or her opinion, rather than trying to force the opinion down the throat of the other. If you are not always satisfied unless the other agrees with you, it means you are just manipulating your partner. Rather, having expressed your opinion, stop arguing and then allow God to work it out.
As long as you continue to be insistent, argumentative and manipulative, strife won’t end in your home. James 3:16 says such a home is the devil’s breeding place and is resting on a soon-to- explode gunpowder!

Prayer points
1. Father, help me to always remember that I am not perfect, so I can bear with the weaknesses of others in Jesus name.
2. Father, I receive victory over forceful, argumentative and manipulative spirit in my life and relationships in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. I sustain and maintain my relationships by making positive compromises.
2. I don’t manipulate others because I am open to others’ opinions after giving my suggestions.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng