*TOPIC: MARRIAGE: GROW TOGETHER AS COUPLE*(Series 6) *Scripture Reading:* Hebrew 10:24-25 *"and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching."*(AMP) *3) Associates with christian couples :* Challenge your marriage spiritually by connecting with other Christian couples. As you learn together to apply God’s Word to your marriages and lives, you’ll sharpen one another spiritually. You’ll also be challenging each other to serve in ministry and share your faith regularly. Growing as a follower of Christ and as a spouse requires consistent accountability from other believers. Also, by fellowship with others christians couples helps you to sharpen yourself in some area that only through that, you both can grow in the knowledge of God. *"As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]."*(Proverbs 27:17 AMP) *4) Fight for your marriage, not in it:* The more you invest in your marriage, the more valuable it will become to you. What you invest in and value, you will fight for. Two ways to know you’re fighting for your marriage and not in it: Focus on yourself and what needs to change in you before pointing out what needs to change about your spouse. *Try to not use the word “you” when you’re arguing. Instead, focus more on the word “I.” For example, “I know I have been doing this, and I am sorry,” instead of, “You know you shouldn’t do that, and you need to apologize.”* Taking responsibility for your part of the problem eliminates a lot of fighting “in” your marriage. This is how you demonstrate your desire to make a difference in your marriage. To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and do have a fruitful week, peace. *Prayer point:* Help me dear Lord to take full responsibility in my marriage in pleasing you in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN