Scriptures: Genesis 23:1-2, 18:19, Isaiah 5:12, 1 Peter 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 4:12

Every marriage begins with four words: "Will you marry me?" Far too many marriages are ending with four words: "I want a divorce." Because people are not careful with the first four words, they become far too careless with the last four words. These four words "I want a divorce" are four words God never intended to be heard in a marriage. Unfortunately these words are heard far too often. We have an unusually high ratio of divorces to marriages in the United States.

People do not see marriage as a lifetime commitment, but rather a ninety-day option. The prevailing attitude is if the first marriage fails; just keep marrying till you get it right. Abraham and Sarah are one of the great marriage and romance stories in the Bible. They did stay together until death did part them. In this message, we learn from Abraham and Sarah how a man and wife should come together, be together, and stay together.

"Your wife needs your attention. Your attention comes through listening, talking to her (without distraction), share your time with her and let her share her time with you. Your wife needs your affection also. Affection for the average male is sex. You cannot have sex without affection, but you can have affection without sex. You may be saying, 'What's the difference?' There is a Greek word for you--'dummy'. Your wife needs your love before she needs your love-making. She needs to know that you love her, but she also needs to know that you love her more than anything or anyone else." --Dr. Merritt

Keywords: divorce, separation, marriage, husband, wife, lasting, prayer, affection, communication, destroy, fault, blame, patience, understanding, listening, praise, obedience, submission, Christ, church, longevity, together, committed, covenant