Mar 19, 2014 Words of Grace – Marriage at the Midpoint
Since I don’t think we can separate our faithfulness to Jesus from the realities and relationships of our lives, I believe we can apply the passage from Hebrews 12:1 to endurance in marriage: “Laying aside every weight, and the sin that so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race set before us.” Faithful and flourishing love in marriage is part of the race set before us. It is part of our faithfulness to Jesus.
I have a growing concern for marriages that have hit the midpoint. Yet, I have never heard or led a discussion on marriage at the midpoint. It’s time to talk about what marriage can be after 20 and 30 years.
We need to talk about marriage at the midpoint because marriage changes at this point, and we do too. Our commitments change. Our time-use changes. Our finances change. Our bodies change. Our moods change. We need to talk about change.
We need to talk about marriage at the midpoint because, at this point, old and bad patterns tend to bear fruit. Repentance, forgiveness, and real change are needed.
We need to talk about marriage at the midpoint because we are still growing as followers of Jesus. Older couples tend to forget that the way they love each other is still an issue of faithfulness to Jesus.
We need to talk about marriage at the midpoint because there are so many opportunities to serve Christ, the church, others, and each other in this season.
Our discussion will be held this Sunday, March 23, from 4:00-5:30pm in the Pine Room. Childcare will be provided. Please register your child if you will need childcare.
If you have been married for less than 20 years, please join us. The time to prepare for the second half of marriage is during the first half.
– Scott