I Will Always Love You

Main Point: The strongest marriages are made up of two people who have made a lifelong decision to love each other and are willing to put in the work that it takes to make that happen.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. —Colossians 3:12-14

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:15-17

The foundation of your marriage should consist of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

“…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Allow forgiveness to be part of the rhythm of your relationship.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Without love there won’t be unity.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Whenever it’s possible, choose peace.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Keep a heart full of gratitude.

“… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Love your spouse in a way that honors Jesus.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

Takeaway: Marriage takes a lot of work, but it also has the potential to be the most rewarding and fulfilling relationship that you can have.

Discussion Questions:
1. Which of the five things that Paul says we should we should clothe ourselves with (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience) is the most challenging for you?
2.Would the people who know you best describe you as a “grudge-holder”? How do you do with asking for forgiveness? How do you do with giving forgiveness to others?
3.What does it practically look like to love your spouse in a way that honors Jesus? If you are married, how can you do this better?