Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE

No doubt you like to be treated with dignity and respect. You appreciate it when your thoughts are acknowledge and your feelings  are taken into account. But have you ever heard someone say,  "I will give him a taste of his own medicine"? While such a reaction might at times be understandable, the  Bible tells us:  "Do not say: 'I will do to him just has he has done to me.' "  (Proverbs 24:29) In fact, Jesus recommended  a more positive way of handling difficult situations.  This rule of conduct is so well-known that it is often called the Golden Rule:  "Just as you  want men to do to you, do the same way to them."  (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that we should treat people the way we would want to be treated and not repay unkindness with unkindness. In marriage, it means that we need to put into the relationship  what we hope to get out of it.

Married people strengthen their relationship  when they are sensitive to their mate's feelings.  'We have tried  to put the Golden Rule into practice," says a husband in South Africa.  "True, there are times when we're upset, but we have worked hard to treat each other the way we would like to be treated-with respect and dignity." 

Do not expose your mate's weaknesses or harp on his idiosyncrasies-not even jokingly. Remember that marriage is not a competition  to find out who is stronger, who can shout louder, or who can think  of the most cutting remark.  True, we all have flaws, and sometimes we upset others.  But there is never a justifiable reason for either a husband or a wife to use sarcastic and demeaning speech, or worse, to shove or hit each other. -Read Proverbs 17:27; 31:26.

Even though in some cultures men who bully, hit or beat their wives are viewed  as manly, the Bible states:  "The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city." (Proverbs 16:32)  It takes great moral strength to imitate the greatest man who ever live, Jesus Christ, and to control one's spirit.  A man who verbally or physically  abuses his wife is anything but  manly, and he will lose his relationship with Jehovah.  The psalmist David, who himself was a strong and courageous man, said:  "Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent." -Psalm 4:4. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage - 'CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH LOVE"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

One of the crucial building blocks of an enduring marriage is forgiveness.  The marital union is strengthened when husbands and wives "continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely." (Colossians 3:13) On the other hand, the marriage relationship is undermined when a couple keep a mental record of old grudges and often use them as ammunition for fresh attacks. Just as cracks can weaken a building, grievances and resentment can develop in our heart, making it increasingly difficult to be forgiving.  By contrast, strong marriage bonds are forged when husband and wife treat each other in a forgiving way, as Jehovah treats them. -Micah 7:18, 19. 

True love "does not keep account of wrongs."  In fact,  "love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5; Read  1 Peter 4:8) In other words, love does not put a limit on the number of sins that we can forgive. When the apostle Peter asked how may times he should forgive someone, Jesus replied:  "Up to 77 times." (Matthew 18:21, 22) He was showing that there is virtually no limit to the number of times a Christian should forgive others. -Proverbs 10:12. 

"If a couple do not want to be forgiving," says Annette, "resentment and mistrust grow, and that is poison to a marriage.  Being forgiving strengthens the bonds of marriage and draws you closer together."  To counteract a tendency to be unforgiving, work on having a thankful and appreciative disposition. Make a practice of giving your spouse sincere commendation.  (Colossians 3:15) Experience the peace of mind, unity, and divine blessings that come to those who have a forgiving disposition. -Romans 14:19. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage - APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

WIVES-SHOW HUMBLE SUBMISSION

Unselfish, principled love for Jehovah helps all of us to humble ourselves under his mighty hand.  (1 Peter 5:6) One important way that a submissive wife shows respect for Jehovah's authority is by being cooperative and supportive within the family circle.  The Bible says:  "You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord." (Colossians 3:18) Realistically, not all of a husband's decisions will be to his wife's liking. Yet, if his decisions do not conflict with God's laws,, a submissive wife is willing to yield. -1 Peter 3:1.

A wife has an honorable place as her husband's "partner." (Malachi 2:14) She provides  valuable input concerning  family decisions by respectfully expressing her thoughts and feelings yet remaining submissive. A wise husband will listen carefully to his wife's expressions.   (Proverbs 31:10-31) Loving submission, in turn promotes joy, peace, and harmony within the family and gives  husbands and wives the satisfaction that comes from knowing that they are pleasing God. -Ephesians 5:22. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage - KEEP FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER FREELY

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

HUSBANDS-EXERCISE LOVING HEADSHIP

How a husband exercises his headship can do much to build a strong and happy marriage.  The Bible states:  "The head of every man is the Christ; in turn, the head of a woman is the man." (1 Corinthians 11:3) The context of that statement tells husbands how they should exercise their headship-in the same way that Christ exercises his authority over man.  Jesus was never tyrannical or harsh but was always loving, kind, reasonable, mild-tempered, and lowly in heart. -Matthew 11:28-30. 

Christian husbands do not need  to demand repeatedly  that their wives show them respect. Rather, they "continue dwelling with them according to knowledge [showing them consideration; understanding them].  They "assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one." (1 Peter 3:7)  In public and in private, husbands show by their respectful words and compassionate actions that their wives are precious to them.  (Proverbs 31:28) Such loving headship wins  a wife's love and respect and brings God's blessing on the marriage. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage - WIVES -SHOW HUMBLE SUBMISSION

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

INCLUDE JEHOVAH IN YOUR MARRIAGE

The cornerstone of a secure marriage is loyalty and submission to the One who instituted marriage.  (Read Ecclesiastes 4:12) Husbands and wives  can include Jehovah in their marriage by following his loving guidance.  The Bible says about God's ancient people:  "Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way. Walk in it,' in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left." (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Today, couples can "hear" Jehovah's Word together.  (Psalm 1:1-3)  They  can further strengthen their marriage by means of  a Family Worship program that is both enjoyable  and spiritually refreshing. Daily prayer together is also invaluable in building a marriage  that can withstand the onslaughts of Satan's world. 

"Whenever our joy has been clouded by personal difficulties or misunderstandings," says Gerhard in Germany ,  "the counsel from God's Word has helped us to develop patience and practice forgiveness.  These qualities are indispensable in a successful marriage."  When couples work hard to keep God in their marriage by engaging in spiritual activities together, they are bonded to God and to each other in a close and happy union.

Next time:Build a Strong and Happy Marriage - HUSBANDS -EXERCISE LOVING HEADSHIP

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

"Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that its builders work hard on it." -Psalm 127:1 a. 

IF YOU put forth sincere effort and show that you want your marriage to succeed, you can enjoy Jehovah's blessing," says a husband who has been happily married for 38 years. Yes, husbands and wives have the potential for enjoying happy times as well as for supporting each other through difficult times. -Proverbs 18:22. 

It is not unusual, however, for married couples to experience some "tribulation in their flesh." (1 Corinthians 7:28) Why? Simply dealing with everyday troubles can strain marital  ties. Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and miscommunications caused by the imperfect tongue can be a challenge in the best of marriages. (James 3:2, 5, 8) Many couples  also have difficulty in coping with demanding employment while caring for their children. Stress and exhaustion make it difficult for some couples to take the time they need  in order to strengthen their marriage.  Their love and respect for each other may be eroded  by financial difficulties, health problems, or other hardships. Furthermore, the foundation of what seemed to be a strong marriage can be undermined by "the works of  the flesh," such as sexual immorality, brazen conduct, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, and dissensions. -Galatians 5:19-21. 

To compound matters, "the last days" are characterized by selfish,ungodly attitudes that are toxic to a marriage.  (2 Timothy 3:1-4) Finally, marriages have to withstand the determined onslaughts of a malicious enemy.  The apostle Peter warns us:  "Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." -1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:12. 

A husband in Japan admits:  "I was under a lot of stress financially. And because I didn't really communicate with my wife, she also came under a lot of pressure. In addition, she recently  experienced serious health problems. At times, this stress caused us to clash."  Some challenges in a marriage are inevitable, but they are  not insurmountable.  With Jehovah's help, couples can enjoy a solid and happy union.  (Read Psalm 127:1) Let us discuss five of the spiritual building blocks for a strong and lasting marriage. Then we will consider how these building blocks can be cemented by love. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage -INCLUDE JEHOVAH IN YOUR MARRIAGE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal

WILL YOU BE PRESENT?

Whether your hope is earthly or heavenly, it can become a reality only if you exercise faith in Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the ransom.  By attending the Memorial, you will have an opportunity to reflect  on your hope and on the great importance of Jesus' death. So make it your aim to be one of the millions who will attend the Lord's Evening Meal at Kingdom Halls and other locations around the world, when it comes around next year, as this one has passed.

Attending the Memorial may deepen your gratitude for Jesus' ransom sacrifice. Listening attentively to the discourse may move you to show love for your neighbors by sharing with them what you have learned about Jehovah's love and his grand purpose  for mankind.  (Matthew 22:34-40) By all means,  be present at the Lord's Evening Meal. 

Next time: Build a Strong and Happy Marriage

 From the Watchtower magazine, 2015 

Why We Observe the Evening Meal

RESPONDING TO YOUR SCRIPTURAL HOPE

If you are an anointed Christian, the heavenly hope is an important subject of your personal prayers. When the Bible speaks of being 'promised in marriage' to the heavenly Bridegroom,Jesus Christ, you apply that to yourself, and you look forward to being part of Christ's "bride." (2 Corinthians 11:2; John 3:27, 29; Revelation 21:2, 9-14)  When God in his Word expresses his love for his spiritual children, you respond,  "That means me." And when Jehovah's Word gives instructions to his anointed sons, holy spirit moves you to obey and to say in your heart, "That applies to me."  God's spirit and your spirit thus join in bearing witness that you have the heavenly hope. 

On the other hand, if you are part of the "great crowd" of "other sheep," God has given you the earthly hope. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) You want to live forever in Paradise, and you find joy in meditating on what the Bible says about future life on earth. You look forward to enjoying abundant peace while surrounded by your family and other righteous ones. You eagerly await the time when food shortages, poverty, suffering, sickness, and death, no longer plague mankind.  (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29; 67:6; 72:7, 16; Isaiah 33:24)  You yearn to welcome those who are resurrected from the dead with the prospect of living forever on earth.  (John 5:28, 29) How thankful you are that Jehovah has blessed you with the earthly hope!  Though you do not partake of the emblems, you attend the Memorial as an expression of your appreciation for the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Next time: Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal - WILL YOU BE PRESENT? 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015 

Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal

WHO SHOULD PARTAKE? 

Those who rightly partake of the Memorial emblems are absolutely sure that they are parties to the new covenant. Regarding the wine, Jesus said:  "This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood." (1 Corinthians 11:25)  Through the prophet Jeremiah, God foretold that He would make a new covenant that differed from the Law covenant with the spiritual Israelites.  (Galatians 6:15, 16) This covenant has been validated by Christ's sacrifice and has been made operative by his shed blood.  (Luke 22:20) Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant,  and loyal anointed ones taken into it receive a heavenly inheritance. -Hebrews 8:6; 9:15.  

Individuals entitled to partake of the Memorial emblems know that they have been taken into the Kingdom covenant.  (Read Luke 12:32) Those who became Jesus' anointed followers and loyally stuck  with Jesus, sharing in his sufferings, were to share his heavenly rule.  (Philippians  3:10) Because they are in the Kingdom covenant, faithful anointed ones will reign with Christ as heavenly kings forever.  (Revelation 22:5) Such individuals rightly partake of the emblems during the Lord's Evening Meal. 

Only those who have the witness of the spirit that they are God's children should partake of the Memorial emblems.  (Read Romans 8:15-17)  Note that Paul used the Aramaic word "Abba," which means "O Father!" A child might use this word when addressing his father, for it is a term of endearment that combines the intimacy of "papa" with the respectful word "father."  those who have received "a spirit of adoption as sons" are God's spirit-begotten children. 

His spirit bears  witness with their spirit, giving them  the realization that htey are Jehovah's anointed sons.  It is not simply a matter of their losing interests in living on earth.  They are certain that they will be Jesus' joint heirs in the heavenly Kingdom if they are faithful to death.  Today, there is only a remnant of the 144,000 footstep followers of Christ, who "have an anointing  from the holy one," Jehovah. (1 John 2:20; Revelation 14:1) It is by means of his spirit that they cry out, "Abba, Father!"  What a blessed relationship they have with God!

Next time: Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal - RESPONDING TO YOUR SCRIPTURAL HOPE 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal

SOME WAYS TO PREPARE

By keeping up with the Memorial Bible reading schedule found in Examining the Scriptures Daily, we can meditate on what Jesus did just before his death. In turn, this can help us to prepare our heart for the Lord's Evening Meal.  "We look forward to the Memorial," wrote one sister.  "It becomes more special each year. I remember standing in the funeral home . . .looking at my dear dad and coming to a true heartfelt appreciation for the ransom. . . .Oh, I knew all the scriptures and how to explain them!  But only when I felt the cold reality of death did my heart fairly  leap with joy over what will be accomplished for us by means of that precious ransom."  Indeed, when preparing for the Memorial, we do well to reflect on how Jesus' sacrifice liberates us from the scourge of sin and death. 

Preparing for the Memorial might include plans to increase our ministry in some way, perhaps as auxiliary pioneers during the Memorial season.  As we invite Bible students and others to the Lord's Evening Meal, we will find joy in speaking about God, his Son, and the blessings that are in store for those who please Jehovah and praise him. -Psalm 148:12, 13. 

As you prepare for the Lord's Evening Meal, consider what the apostle Paul wrote to the Christian congregation in Corinth.  (Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-34)  Paul pointed out that anyone who partakes of the loaf and drinks from the cup unworthily is "guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  So an anointed one should "approve himself after scrutiny" and only then partake of the emblems. Otherwise, he "eats and drinks judgment against himself."  Because of improper conduct, many of the Corinthians were "weak and sick, and quite a few [were] sleeping in spiritual death."  Possibly, some ate and drank so much before they were neither mentally nor spiritually alert. Partaking of the emblems in such an unworthy manner brought God's disapproval on them.

Paul compared the Memorial to a meal share with others, and he warned partakers:  "You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons."  (1 Corinthians 10:16-21) If a person  who partakes of the emblems at the Lord's Evening Meal has committed a serious sin, he should seek spiritual assistance.  (Read James 5:14-16) If such an anointed one has produced  "fruits that befit repentance," then he is not showing contempt for Jesus' sacrifice by partaking of the Memorial emblems. -Luke 3:8.

As we personally prepare for the Memorial , we would find it beneficial to give prayerful thought  to our God-given hope. No dedicated servant of Jehovah and faithful follower of his Son would want to show disrespect  for Jesus' sacrifice by partaking of the Memorial emblems if he or she actually lacks  clear evidence of being an anointed Christian. Therefore, how can one determine whether to partake of the emblems or not?

Next time: Why We Observe the Lord's Evening Meal - WHO SHOULD PARTAKE?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015