Contentment in Marriage Genesis 2:18

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• I. God Intends Contentment.
• A. Husbands to live contently with their wife.
  (Proverbs 515-20 Colossians 319).
• B. Wives to learn to be content with their
  husband. (Prov 3110-12,18 27-28 Ephesians
  522-24 Titus 23-5).

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• I. God Intends Contentment.
• C. What Causes Discontentment?
• The Entertainment Industry.
• A Wealthy Society (I Tim 53-16).
• The Feminist Movement
• Selfishness

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• II. What is Contentment?
• A. It is not acceptance with no desire for
  improvement (Heb 1023-24). Not by
• Bitterness (Col 319)
• Nagging (Prov 2715,16)
• Unfavorable Comparison (Eph 429).
• Withholding Intimacy (I Cor 73-5, 2).
• Destroying Influence (I Cor 733,34).

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 1. Smile or say yes when its not expected.
• 2. Offer positive suggestions, but avoid
  criticism, argument, blaming or bringing up past
  mistakes.
• 3. Celebrate everyday things with unplanned
  surprises, and break some old routines.
• 4. Recognize their feelings, needs and be
  helpful.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 5. Avoid toxic trigger words that start
  arguments.
• 6. Respect their wishes, sensitivities and
  privacy.
• 7. Send surprise fun cards, flowers, gifts, etc.
• 8. Find ways to be pleasant, cheerful and
  agreeable.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 9. Instead of changing someone change your
  attitude or actions, accept them as-is.
• 10. Dont struggle over things you cant change.
• 11. Showing trust and forgiveness is a key to
  happiness.
• 12. Communicate and share thoughts, dreams and
  feelings.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 13. Show affection and romance daily in
  different ways.
• 14. Avoid discussing problems if youre tired or
  its late.
• 15. Try not to control or change anyone.
• 16. Take time to be patient. Listen more.
• 17. Leave little notes to express your feelings.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 19. Turn off the TV and have discussions or
  family meetings.
• 20. Avoid name-calling or saying I told you
  so.
• 21. Anger is painful, so never go to sleep mad.
  Call a truce, apologize, or forgive and accept.
• 22. Encourage their interests, growth and
  individuality.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 23. Praise them to family and friends and
  others.
• 24. Keep breathing space between you and
  relatives.
• 25. Discuss money matters in advance, share
  spending responsibilities, and give each one
  pocket money.

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Secrets of Good Relationships and Marriages

• 26. Give them a day off, or free personal time.
• 27. Avoid talking about past loves or
  relationships.
• 28. Families and relationships run on
  cooperation.
• 29. Ask about their day, then tell about yours.
• - from The Listening Center

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• II. What is Contentment?
• A. It is not acceptance with no desire for
  improvement (Heb 1023-24 Col 319 Prov
  2715,16 Eph 429 I Cor 73-5 2 733,34).
• B. It is cheerful adaptation to a situation even
  if it cannot be changed (Philippians
  410-13).

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• II. What is Contentment?
• C. Practicing Contentment.
• 1. Avoid being critical of your companion
  (Matthew 71).
• 2. Consider your own faults and work on
  improving yourself (Matthew 73-6).
• 3. Treat your mate as you want them to treat
  you (Matthew 712).

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Contentment in MarriageGenesis 218

• Conclusion
• A. It May Be Difficult to be
• 1. A good wife to an undeserving husband
  (Ephesians 522).
• 2. A good husband to an undesrving wife (I
  Peter 37 Matthew 1832-35).
• B. Consider the alternatives!
• 1. Divorce? (Malachi 216 Matthew 199).
• 2. Constant conflict? (Romans 1218).