The Ugly Truth About Marriage

Name what you see aloud, asking God to help you grow. Thank God for the gift of even the difficult parts of marriage.

Room for Growth: Biblically Examine Your Marriage

Part of God's wonderful gift of marriage is the daily, minute-by-minute opportunity it gives us to live out Christian character.

Copy the full text of each of these passages in your journal: Colossians 3:12-14; Ephesians 4:31-32; and 1 Peter 3:8-9.

With different colored pens or highlighters, mark the words and phrases in each passage as they relate to your marriage. (If needed, use colors other than those noted below.)

• Which commands or character traits are the most difficult for you to live out on a daily basis in your marriage? (Underline in red.)
• Which commands or character traits come more naturally to you in your demeanor toward your husband? (Underline in blue.)
• Which of these commands do you find yourself living out with others, yet neglecting in the way you treat your husband? (Box in black.)
• Which of these commands do you feel most challenged by right now, regarding the way you've related to your husband over the past few days? (Circle in green.)

Internalize Your Findings

Paul summed up his teaching about Christian character in Ephesians 4:17-31 with this concluding statement: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

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