1 Corinthians 7:28 CEB
...But married people will have a hard time…

1 Corinthians 7:28 TLB
..marriage will bring extra problems that I wish you didn't have to face right now.

1 Corinthians 7:28 AMP
Yet those who marry will have physical and earthly troubles...

Ephesians 4:2-4 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Proverbs 10:29 NASU
The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 18:21-22 NKJV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 6:23 NKJV
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life...

Proverbs 18:21-22 NKJV
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, He who finds a wife finds a good thing...

Key Concepts/Truths
Every word you speak and choice you make can either tear down or build up a relationship.

Each time you choose God’s way, you and your relationships grow stronger.

Correction is not rejection but an aspect of love.

Your words plant seeds. They do not evaporate. They have the power to pierce like a sword.

Practice makes permanent.

Bad seeds can’t produce a good harvest.

Key verses: Ephesians 4:2-3 • Proverbs 18:21-22 • 1 Corinthians 17:28

Which one truth do you already have evidence of in your life today? Ask the Lord for new ways to see even more of it for you and others around you. Write your answers out.

Which one truth is the most challenging or least existing in your life today? Why do you think this is? Ask the Lord if there are any beliefs or barriers that are keeping you from believing that particular truth. Write it out.

Real-Life Application
At the end of the message Pastor Duane challenged us to put it into action by asking ourselves a question. “What are three things that I can say in order to bless and increase my marriage/relationship?”

How can we start with this? Here is a short list:
• Tell someone why you love them.
• Ask someone how you can pray with them.
• Express what you appreciate or are grateful for.
• Speak encouragement in the areas of character and personality that you enjoy most.

This Week’s Declaration
Life is released when your words are in agreement with God. Intentionally speaking life and biblical truth out loud is extremely powerful. In fact, you have that very life in the power of your tongue. These words below, when spoken out loud, will cause an acceleration of the reality of God’s words in your life. We encourage you to speak the following with an expectancy to renew your mind and see God’s fullness.

I choose to speak words that will build my relationship rather than tear it down.

I choose to love even when I don’t feel like it.

I walk and live by the fruit of the Spirit:
• I live in love
• I live in joy
• I live in peace
• I live in patience
• I live in kindness
• I Iive in goodness
• I live in faithfulness
• I live in gentleness and self-control

Greater Things
In Matthew 7, Jesus said by choosing His ways we will build our house on the Rock. When the wind and rain come, our house will remain steady because we have chosen the Rock instead of the sand.
A marriage and all relationships are built daily, not in a single day like a wedding day, but every day of the relationship. Each and every one of our choices either builds on the Rock or on the sand.
As we become a people of daily intentionality with becoming the very character and nature of Jesus, we will see greater things in all of our relationships. Our foundations will be rock solid.
God, may everyone around us see Your glory because of the love that we have for others.

What’s Next?
Now it’s time to write down anything that the Lord has spoken to you. Praise Him, thank Him, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk this out.