Agree
Jul 28, 2023 | by Diana Wade
Two weeks ago Pastor Gary and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary. We love July, our “anniversary month”. Those of you who have facebook know that “memories” of things you have previously posted pop up everyday. I was reminded of our 40th anniversary. For a few weeks around that date I posted “40 Things I Have Learned in 40 Years of Marriage”. I know that I still have much to learn, but I want to share with you some solid principles that have sustained us through the years.
First, before we married we agreed that the Word of God would direct every decision we made. We agreed that, if we had a difference of opinion, we would pray together and ask the Lord to direct our steps through His Word.
Next, we agreed to live in forgiveness. Forgiveness is for you—as well as the one you forgive. There have been many times I forgave, and the other person never asked for it. Forgive before you’re asked. It frees you emotionally and allows you to walk in love with each other and not hold offense or bitterness in your heart. It is a choice to walk in forgiveness with your spouse.
Finally, we agreed that we would always be givers. There were times in our early years when money was tight and school fees were coming or something happened unexpectedly. We totally lived on commission during those years, so if there were no sales there were no paychecks. We never stopped giving, both in money and love for the people in our lives. Those times can try your faith in a frustrating way, but God’s Word is forever settled and true. He will provide for every need in your life. We were convinced of that truth, and we have seen it real in our lives over and over. He led us through times of good and times of bad (remind you of wedding vows?). He is so faithful! His provision was—and is—always there.
Have you noticed a “common word” in these paragraphs? The word is AGREED. When we have agreement with our spouse or our children or our parents, the Word of God is standing ready to supply all our needs. Matthew 18:19 is a scripture quoted by many about agreement. It says, “ …if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” When we ask according to the provision in the Word and stand in agreement with our spouse, great things happen!
There is a common saying that I don’t like. It goes like this, “if Mama aint happy, nobody’s happy”. In counseling through the years I have met "Mamas" like that, but I have also met “Dads” who kept everyone in the house from being happy. It’s important for us not to allow ourselves to become the one that keeps others unhappy in our home. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The chapter goes on to talk about the ministers set in the Body of Christ for the perfecting of the saints, but this verse can well apply to our home lives. I want to wake up every morning expecting to not be the “grouch of the day”. I want to always expect the Holy Spirit to lead me through the day, believing the best in my family, believing the best in my friends, and showing the love of Jesus to those who cross my path.
It all begins with AGREEMENT WITH THE WORD and with believing it has every answer for every question we have. Now I look at all the generations in Faith Building Church and rejoice at seeing what the Word of God does in peoples’ lives every week, knowing that, from the babies in the Nursery to the Finishers, the love of God and the Word of God are changing people.
I love Ephesians 4:32 in the Amplified Classic. It reminds me of my church family because it says, “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted, (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”
What a wonderful verse upon which to base our home life, friendships, and other relationships! Agreeing with the Word changes us forever and gives us the wisdom to live in our constantly changing world. See you Sunday!
Love you so much,
Pastor Diana