SECRETS TO MARITAL BLISS - 2 | "FROM ME TO WE", THE POWER OF INTEGRATION

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:20-22

There Are Three Foundations To The Message Today.

Leaving and cleaving is an act. Becoming one flesh is a process.
Before marriage, feelings are important. But after marriage, love is a commitment, not a feeling. Before you marry, feel. But the feeling must be defined within the ambit of the scripture. But after marriage, love.

Any couple that finds fulfilment in one another can face whatever life brings. The world out there is hostile, and the only safe place is your family, your home. Find fulfilment in your home; make your home your place of refuge.

In marriage, you can't do without the other person. Everyone depends on another. When you finally get married,

* You sacrifice your independence
* You substitute "I" for "We".

What is integration? Integration in marriage is the intentional merging of two independent lives into one unified life, emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc. It is the movement from "Me and You" to "We". Integration means:

* Shared vision
* Shared decision
* Shared responsibilities
* Shared accountability
* Shared destiny.

What integration is not:

* It is not controlled
* It is not domination
* It is not a loss of identity.

Integration is so important that it is one of the greatest keys to a happy marriage.

Signs A Marriage Is Not Integrated

* They live parallel lives and not shared lives.
* Major decisions are made without consultation.

Financial secrets also exist. Marriage is not a contract; it is a covenant. You must enter into marriage with a covenant mindset, powered by sacrifice.

* You prioritize extended family over your spouse.
* You're emotionally alone in the marriage.

Keys To Integrated Marriage

* Establish covenant consciousness
* Practice radical transparency
* Build a shared vision
* Prioritize your spouse above all else in your life.
* Cultivate daily friendship

Ruth became one of the greatest heroines of the Bible because she had made a vow with her mother-in-law. Make your spouse your best friend.