85: Jesus on the Cross: What Does It Mean for Your Marriage?

Jesus on the Cross: What Does It Mean for Your Marriage?

Introduction 

• Heather poses the question: What does Jesus dying on the cross have to do with marriage?
• Setting the stage for exploring the connection.
• Encouraging likes, follows, and subscriptions.

The Ultimate Act of Love (John 3:16) 

• Reflecting on the lead-up to Easter and the meaning of the cross.
• Reciting John 3:16 – God's love for the world demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice.
• Jesus as fully man and fully God, choosing to bear our sin out of love.
• Our fate sealed with Him through belief, leading to eternal life.

Marriage as an Act of Love 

• Comparing dating and marriage as expressions of love.
• The wedding day and vows as a profound commitment and act of love for one another.
• Vows to love, honor, and protect through various circumstances.
• Marriage as the "greatest thing" after the initial spark of dating.

Sacrifice in Marriage 

• Jesus' sacrifice as requiring blood to wipe away sin.
• Questioning whether we sacrifice our wills and desires for our spouse.
• Easier in early relationships, but challenges arise with time and "entangled" lives.
• Brian's example of differing reactions to a spouse wanting to quit a job early vs. later in marriage.

Love, Grace, and Mercy 

• Love as a beautiful aspect of the cross.
• Introducing the concepts of grace and mercy and their interconnectedness.
• Reading Romans 5:8 – God's love demonstrated while we were sinners.
• Defining grace: God giving us good things we don't deserve.
• Defining mercy: God withholding punishment we do deserve.

Offering Grace in Marriage 

• Can we offer grace to our spouse through loving words, gifts, and encouragement?
• The challenge of showing grace when feeling angry or annoyed.

The 5:1 Ratio (John Gottman) 

• Referencing John Gottman's research on the importance of positive interactions.
• The ideal ratio of 5-20 positive acts for every one negative act for a happy marriage.
• Grace as encompassing those positive and beneficial actions.
• Example of a small act of grace (buying a favorite candy).

Extending Mercy and Holding Our Tongues 

• Mercy as withholding deserved negative reactions or punishment.
• The importance of being merciful and kind with words, especially during rough patches.
• Choosing to offer grace and forgiveness instead of harsh words.
• The potential for positive change when choosing loving actions.

Avoiding Fire with Fire 

• Reinforcing the idea of not escalating conflict with negativity.
• The wisdom of "killing them with kindness" and "more flies with honey."

Withholding Punishment: Mercy in Action 

• Mercy as God withholding the ultimate punishment we deserved for our sins.
• Reflecting on God's unseen mercies in our daily lives (driving, running).
• Gratitude for both known and unknown acts of God's mercy.

Selflessness: A Lesson from the Cross

• The selfless nature of Jesus' sacrifice – enduring physical and emotional pain.
• Applying selflessness to marriage: Putting your spouse above yourself.
• Considering your spouse's wants and needs over your own in the moment.
• Offering emotional and physical support when your spouse is struggling.
• The challenge of selflessness when tired or wanting to relax.

The War Between Flesh and Spirit 

• Acknowledging the constant internal conflict between selfish desires and spiritual guidance.
• The importance of humbling oneself and prioritizing the spouse's needs.

Loving Like Jesus 

• Encouraging listeners to reflect on Jesus' love and strive to be Christ-like in marriage.
• Emphasizing love filled with grace, mercy, selflessness, and forgiveness.
• Challenging listeners to see if loving this way makes a positive difference.
• Living for Christ and loving as He loves.

Call to Action: The "No Time Note" 

• Encouraging listeners to visit the website for the "No Time Note" resource.
• A one-page note for quick communication, encouragement, and gratitude.
• Suggesting using the note to leave loving and kind words for a spouse.
• The power of taking one minute a day to build each other up.
• Click Here for the Free Resource:  No Time Note

Conclusion (47:00-48:00)

• Thanking listeners for tuning in.
• Closing remarks and farewell.