Word For Today: You Have Only Two Options: Forgiveness or Bitterness

The Bible says, ‘Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him…“up to seventy times seven”’ (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV). Seventy times seven equals 490 times. And it’s your ‘brother’, someone you have to live or work with, whom you’re called to forgive. In essence Jesus was saying, ‘Forgive, and keep on forgiving if you want to have a relationship with this person.’

Part 1: Using Sex as a Weapon!

Sex is the greatest gift of marriage; it is meant to be enjoyed, cherished, featured, and respected. It is what makes marriage unique among all other relationships—best friends with benefits—for life! Using sex as a weapon turns intimacy into warfare. In seeking “to win,” both men and women will lose. Trying to manipulate your partner will only drive the partner away. Using sex as a weapon is the primary cause of sexual dysfunction within marriage and both men and women are guilty of doing so. If not addressed, often leads to divorce.

Living a Life Worthy of Christ’s Calling?

When Jesus saved us, he didn’t just save us for heaven. He saved us to live for him, to do works in his name, to rule with him, and many other things. Much of the teaching in the first half of Ephesians is about our calling. We were elected and predestined before time, redeemed, and forgiven. We were dead in our transgressions and sins, but now, we have been raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places. How can we live in a manner worthy of all Christ did for us?

God’s Plan for Sexual Intimacy In Marriage!

“Would you rather be single and lonely or married and bored?” So asks one well-known comedian. From the world’s perspective, these are the choices when it comes to marriage and relationships. This suggests that the way to avoid both loneliness and boredom is to date but never commit to marriage. Sounds descriptive of our culture, doesn’t it?

Our culture glorifies sex outside of marriage, making it the “human experience.” However the church can go the opposite pathway of disparaging sex altogether.