The Bridge of
Fellowship
One of the most important aspects in the relationship of God within the
Trinity and with mankind is the act of fellowship. It provides the
foundation upon which the remaining Bridges are built. Being made in the
likeness of God, it was quickly recognized by God that it was not good for
man to be alone. God designed mankind in such a way that we need fellowship.
Fellowship allows a connection at an intimate level and provides the fertile
soil for the roots of a relationship to grow. We see the act of fellowship
present throughout scripture from the events in the Garden of Eden to the
Last Supper and to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God is constantly at
work drawing us closer to Him. This model of actively seeking fellowship
provides couples a road map to navigate their relationship journey.
The Bridge of
Purpose
A marriage is never stagnant. It is either
growing or dying. God is very clear that not only does he have an ultimate
purpose with mankind, but he has a purpose for each one of us. This purpose
extends into your marriage. A couple that knows and defines the purpose of
their marriage as well as their individual purpose within the marriage will
have clarity in their relationship with God and each other. It defines them
as individuals and as a couple. A marriage is not designed with the purpose
of two individuals just cohabitating. It has a greater purpose which is
unique to each couple and designed by God. It allows God to express himself
in your marriage; bringing adventure, excitement and fulfillment.
The Bridge of
Celebration
There is no doubt that God loves a good
celebration. Throughout scripture we find God’s people engaging in festivals
and celebrations as a means expressing their relationship with God. We see
Jesus participating in a wedding celebration and celebrating the Passover
with his closest friends. Relationships should be celebrated. Celebrations
bring new life into the challenges of everyday life and remind us to take
time to enjoy our marriage. It also demonstrates that we care about our
spouse. Finding creative ways to celebrate your relationship with your
spouse will bring passion and excitement into your marriage.
The Bridge of
Humility
Humility is such a foundational aspect of God.
One of the greatest acts of humility was demonstrated when Jesus washed the
feet of his disciples. While the act itself required great humility, the
often overlooked act was Jesus washing the feet of Judas, his known
betrayer. Christ focused on the bigger picture and not the distinct act of
an individual. Likewise, our humility requires a focus beyond the individual
acts of our spouse. It requires that we put our needs and ourselves in the
proper perspective. How often do we demonstrate our own weaknesses only to
turn around and raise the expectations we have of our spouse? Humility is so
core to a healthy relationship, because it is enables us to forgive and
demonstrate patience with our spouse. Humility ultimately builds trust and
shows your spouse that you are working with them on the same team.
The Bridge of
Healing
One of the greatest joys for God is to provide
healing to mankind. Throughout scripture, we see a God that wants to heal
the nation of Israel, heal the separation between mankind and God caused by
our sin, and to heal our sickness at an individual level. God often desires
to act through mankind to bring His healing. Our relationship with our
spouse should be filled with the desire to be a healing agent in their
lives. Everyone has past hurts and current struggles. We can choose to
either further wound our spouse or help bring healing in their lives.
Couples that see the struggles of their spouse as a place to demonstrate
understanding, grace, and empathy will see their relationship flourish.
Standing side by side with your spouse in their time of need reveals that
you care about them as an individual.
The Bridge of
Forgiveness
Nothing is more central to God’s relationships
than the act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is about reconciliation. It is
about breaking down the barriers that prevent an intimate relationship.
Forgiveness is so important to God that he provided the ultimate sacrifice
for the sole purpose of establishing a relationship with mankind. If couples
approached forgiveness with the same kind of passion that God has
demonstrated for us, then many of their “issues” would never exist. The
challenge that many couples face is that they don’t recognize where
forgiveness is needed in their relationship, they are not sure about how to
truly forgive, and they don’t want to forgive. Forgiveness requires
humility. Failing to forgive your spouse will have the same long-term impact
as self-hatred. When a two people become “one,” they in effect relinquish
the right to harbor resentment solely against their spouse. Crossing this
bridge may be one of the hardest challenges any couple will face. However,
learning to practice continuous forgiveness in a biblical manner also has
the potential to bring the greatest amount of healing and joy into a
marriage.
The Bridge of
Patience
Demonstrating patience in a relationship
creates thankfulness in the relationship. Being thankful creates an
atmosphere where you want to grow in your relationship with your spouse.
God’s patience is based on a desire that he values the relationship to such
a degree that he is willing to wait for it to mature. Once we realize God’s
patience with us, our thankful hearts draw us closer to him. Patience with
your spouse has the same effect. When you demonstrate your love and
appreciation for your spouse during their challenges and times of pain, you
communicate acceptance. Acceptance allows a couple to be transparent and
real with each other resulting in true intimacy. The result is unconditional
love which is essential for a couple to really experience the “oneness” that
God designed. |
