Bible Studies For Couples
Verse Of The Day
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV)
Advancing the kingdom of God.
There are certainly many ways to advance the kingdom of God as Jesus admonished us to do. Ways like preaching the word verbally and through our character, praying for people especially for their souls to be converted, showing people how to pray, and supporting the ministry/move of God with money. All these are ways of advancing the kingdom, but today we are going to look at a unique way to advance the kingdom of God: by letting Go. Yes – you heard that right, sounds like irony because when we talk of advancing, it means moving out but this particular one requires you not to, rather let it go, that is forgiving and letting go and in addition releasing some form of prayer for that particular situation.
Fictional Narrative
There is this fictional story about a certain community in an African setting. The story is about a certain innocent man who was killed by the elite members of that community and at the point of death the young man pronounced a curse on that community. Many years later, death started visiting the community, and generation upon generation was being wiped out until the elder statesmen started asking questions. After spiritual consultation, they discovered the source of the problem and went ahead to get the solution from the underworld which also came at a great price because out of ten people sent to get the solution – only one person came back.
Spiritual Laws On Pronouncement
Demons exploit innocent pronouncements to carry out evil deeds. If Jesus had cursed the Jewish people and Romans, chaos would have ensued. Jesus, understanding spiritual laws, taught forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God, knowing the dangers of speaking curses. His demonstration of forgiveness is profound. Consider what would have happened if Stephen had cursed Paul during his stoning; instead, Stephen forgave, leading to Paul’s conversion and significant contributions to the Bible. Early Christians’ refusal to utter judgment despite Roman persecution contributed to Christianity’s spread across the Roman Empire, despite its origins in Israel.
As Couples
Disputes, heated arguments, and fights are inevitable in relationships. However, if we opt for forgiveness and prayer, following the examples of Jesus, Stephen, and early Christians, we activate angelic intervention and spread God’s spirit in our homes and with our spouses. They didn’t curse their adversaries but prayed for them. While it’s challenging for couples, remember the apostles’ struggles and their choice to pray and follow the Lord’s path. Likewise, choose today to advance God’s agenda by letting go of grievances
Regarding The Marriage Institution
Marriage is a crucible of patience, forgiveness, and letting go, testing these virtues deeply. It’s like a refining fire that shapes us in ways we never imagined. Jesus urged us in Matthew 16:24 to carry our cross as His disciples, and in marriage, this is our unique cross if we truly love Him. While human nature resists letting go, we’re reminded in John 15:19 that we belong to God, not the world. By walking in the spirit, not the flesh, we find strength and enablement from God to live out these principles. Forgiveness is key to advancing God’s kingdom; instead of cursing, let’s release God’s spirit to work. It’s challenging but immensely worthwhile.
As It Affects The Next Generation
Spiritual laws are precise and purposeful, not random occurrences. When we understand and apply them carefully, they can bring prosperity to our homes. Consider the hypothetical scenario of Stephen and Paul as spouses; their descendants would have been the churches Paul established during his missionary journeys, like the Colossians, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Thessalonians, and more. Imagine if Stephen had cursed Paul; the outcome would have been different. Walk in the footsteps of Stephen, and you’ll witness your descendants forgiving and praying for each other. Conversely, if you release curses in anger towards your spouse, expect to see negative manifestations in your offspring. Be the catalyst for generational change in advancing God’s kingdom.
Prayer
Father, I am grateful for forgiving me initially through your son Jesus. Grant me the ability to recognize “the plank in my own eye” when I struggle to forgive the person I vowed to love in all circumstances. Help me to perceive my spouse’s contrite heart and to discern the signs of reconciliation in our marriage. In moment of vulnerability my I see open heaven as Stephen did and may my words be pleasing to you in that moment. Through Christ our lord amen.
Love is the Ultimate – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)
Bear with Each Other – With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2 ESV)
Remain Blessed Always