Keeping the Romance Alive – Making Your Marrage Great

Keeping Romance Alive
Ephesians 5:27-28
Titus 2:4
Why doesn’t Romantic Love last?
"When couples first marry, they think their romantic love will last a lifetime. The vows and commitments they make usually depend on it. But romantic love is short-lived for most couples…” (Love Busters, Willard F. Harley, Jr., pp. 9,14)
True Love Endures
1 Cor. 13:8 “love never fails..”
– Agape – the love which always seeks the best spiritual interest

– Luke 6:27-31 even those who are being very unloveable
Self-Test
I usually experience a good feeling whenever I think about my spouse.
I enjoy being with my spouse more than anyone else.
I tend to overlook my spouse’s mistakes.
I find my spouse to be physically attractive.
I would be very upset if I were to lose my spouse’s companionship.
Self-Test
I enjoy talking to my spouse.
I feel that there is a chemistry between my spouse and me.
My spouse brings out the best in me.
I enjoy doing things for my spouse.

Romance in Marriage
Ephesians 5:27-28"So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it"
– Cherishes – “to warm or keep warm, to cherish with tender love and foster with tender care”
Romance in Marriage
Titus 2:4 – older women teach the younger women to love their husbands
– “Philandros” – to be fond of her husband, from the root phileo
• “love of money” 1 Tim 6:10
• “lovers of pleasure” 2 Tim 3:4
The Love Bank
Romantic Feelings Matter
Great motivator – for good or evil
– Many have thrown away their influence, values, and faith for a chance at romantic love
– Can also influence couples to take special care of each other, make sacrifices

Marriages Can Go Either Way
Love Busters
Angry Outbursts
– Gal 5:20 “outbursts of anger” (fits of rage, bad temper)
Love Busters
Disrespectful Criticism
– 1 Pet 3:7 give honor
– 2 Tim 2:24 gentle
– Prov 12:18 piercing words
– Prov 18:21 death and life
Love Busters
Annoying Behavior
– Phil 2:3-5 considerate of each other
– Matt 5:13-16 influence on others
– Tit 2:9-10 adorn doctrine
– 1 Cor 9:22 may win some

Love Busters
Selfish demands
– Threat of punishment, manipulation
– Build resentment, tearing down romantic love
– Matt 7:12 do unto others
– 1 Cor 13:4 love is patient
Marriage Maintenance Required
“Good marriages are made in heaven, but the details still have to be worked out here on earth.”

Eph. 4:25 – speak the truth to one another
Eph. 4:26-27 settle up by end of day
Eph. 4:32 – kind, tenderhearted, forgiving
Eph. 5:31 – closest physical relationship in life
Making Your Marriage Great