Jenifer Metzger : Fighting Marriages {Man Up - Father's Day Series & Giveaway}

Today is day 2 in our Man Up series and I am beyond thrilled to have my wonderful husband here today! Jeremy has been a very supportive part of this ministry. Please help me welcome my hubby!

When you talk about fighting in marriage, most of the time in today's society, it's talk about how a couple can not work their issues out any longer. They can't find that bond they once had. It's about two people yelling and belittling each other. If kids are involved, then the fighting is worse because the kids are forced to pick sides.

It's not often you hear of couples fighting for their marriages. We often just look for the easy way out.

Now understand, I know couples will fight. Since we will fight, we must look at what the Word of God says about it.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to

your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin:

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:25-27

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,

but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,

that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all

bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every

form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

We must understand:

Couples will have struggles. Every married couple will have conflict or battles no matter how well matched up you think you are. Two sinners living together will have disagreements. The question is, how are you going to deal with those struggles. Will you be full of pride? Will you pray together, talk about the struggles and work together to fix it? How much work will you put into it? You will struggle. So decide in advance your plan of attack. How you will make it work?
Conflict hurts marriage is a myth. Conflict is important for every marriage. Now understand, it can destroy marriage when not handled correctly. But it also can lead to a greater intimacy. It depends on how you respond to it and how much work you want to put into it. Handle it correctly and let it bring deep intimacy.

I am going to ask you something. How much work do you put into your job, your golf game, or whatever you're passionate about? Because all of us are passionate about something. Where we spend our time, money, energy, those are the things we are passionate about. Why not put that effort into something that will last a lifetime, your marriage.

Jeremy Metzger is an associate pastor, children's pastor, high school baseball coach and sheet metal journeyman. But his greatest roles are that of husband and father. Jeremy and his wife, Jenifer, will celebrate 18 years of marriage this summer and have four teenagers. Yes, four teenagers.