Big Idea

From this day forward, commit to stand firm

Scripture

Matthew 19:3-6, Galatians 6:7-9

Ice Breaker & Opening Thought

1. What is your favorite place to eat?
2. Marriage is a covenant relationship. It is a simple comparison, but we could think of a consumer contract as putting “my individual needs above the relationship with a vendor.” Whereas in a covenant relationship, each person puts the relationship above their individual wants and desires. What do you think of this comparison? What other comparisons and contrasts would you draw between the two?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Matthew 19:3-6. Jesus’ quotation of Genesis emphasizes the “onfleshness” of marriage. What comes into your mind when you hear the phrase “become one flesh?” How might the joining together of two whole people create a new reality between them?
4. Our relationships are held together by a daily decision to value the relationship and the other person in it. Read Galatians 6:7-9. How would you apply its message to your relationships?

Life Application

5. One longitudinal study of marriage and divorce found that two-thirds of unhappy marriages will become happy within five years if people stay married and do not get divorced.* Why do you think most couples can work out their differences in five years?
6. What does it take to stand firm in a relationship, especially if you’re not feeling satisfied in the relationship?
7. How can we support one another as we work to stand firm in our most important relationships?

* Linda Waite, et al., Does Divorce Make People Happy? Findings from a Study of Unhappy Marriages (American Values Institute, 2002).