Transformation Church
Discussion Guide

Flourishing in Your Marriage

Pastor Brad and Ashley Livingston
|
February 16, 2025

Main Idea

The main idea of Pastor Brad's sermon was that a flourishing marriage is built on a foundation of love, sacrifice, and mutual honor. He emphasized that love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, is patient, kind, and enduring. Sacrifice involves prioritizing what matters most, and honoring each other leads to growth. Celebrating God's faithfulness and each other's flourishing contributes to a healthy marriage, while healing and laughter are essential for longevity and joy in the relationship.

Scripture References

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 12:10, 2 Timothy 2:13, Psalm 36:5, Proverbs 16:24, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Isaiah 61:1-3, Proverbs 17:22

How can we practice patience and kindness in our marriages as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?

Letting go of what matters for what matters more is the essence of sacrifice in marriage.

In what ways can we outdo each other in showing honor, based on Romans 12:10?

Discussion Questions:

What are some examples of God's faithfulness that we can celebrate in our marriages?

How can we create an environment of healing for our spouses?

What role does laughter play in your marriage, and how can you cultivate more of it?

When your partner's flourishing gives you life, it's a sign of a healthy marriage.

Summary

Pastor Brad and Ashley Livingston shared heartfelt insights on how to ensure a lasting marriage, focusing on the importance of love, sacrifice, celebration, flourishing, and healing. They reflected on the opportunities that allowed them to grow together, emphasizing the need to prioritize mutual love and honor as described in Romans 12:10. They discussed the significance of celebrating God's faithfulness and how the flourishing of one partner can be life-giving to the other. They also touched on the necessity of healing within the relationship, quoting Neil Strauss, 'Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments.' The sermon concluded with the acknowledgment that laughter has been a key element in their 15-year marriage journey.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Reflect on the ways you can show more love and honor in your marriage.

Identify areas in your relationship that need healing and take steps towards wholeness.

Check out
Transformation Church
on our social platforms