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Silas Odanike
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INTRODUCTION
Everyone desires a happy ending in marriage, but not everyone is intentional about achieving it.
Marriage does not end well by chance; it ends well by choice, wisdom, and grace.
In Matthew 19, Jesus was confronted with a question about divorce. His response revealed deep truths about marriage, maturity, and responsibility. His opening words were striking:
“Have you not read…?” — Matthew 19:4
This tells us something critical: marriage requires knowledge, learning, and intentionality.
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE
Matthew 19:3–12 (KJV)
Jesus’ teachings on marriage, divorce, and maturity.
SEVEN (7) THINGS JESUS TAUGHT ABOUT MARRIAGE (Matthew 19)
1. God Hates Divorce
Divorce was never God’s original design. It is a concession, not a command.
2. Divorce Is Generational
Patterns repeat when not corrected. What is tolerated today may be transferred tomorrow.
3. Divorce Does Not Respect Religion
Spiritual gifts, church attendance, or titles do not automatically preserve a marriage.
Even the disciples reacted strongly, revealing that marital challenges are universal.
4. Divorce Is Never Neat
It does not end pain; it multiplies it. It tears continuously—emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
5. Divorce Happens Because People Refuse to Learn
Ignorance is expensive. Refusing to read, learn, and grow makes marriage fragile.
Hear this: “Of all ignorances to pay for, may you never pay for the ignorance of divorce.”
6. Divorce Is Costly
People rarely recover fully. The scars linger long after the papers are signed.
7. Divorce Can Be Prevented
Grace, attitude, wisdom, and intentional living can preserve a marriage.
KEY INSIGHT
In every marriage, there are two realities:
The WALK — what people see
The WORK — what people don’t see
👉 It takes WORK to make the WALK sweet.
HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY ENDING IN MARRIAGE
The Key Word: INTENTIONALITY
Everyone has good intentions.
Only intentional people experience happy endings.
SIX (6) THINGS TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT
1. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR CHOICE (WHO YOU CHOOSE)
A happy ending begins with the right choice.
Proverbs 18:22 (AMP)
“He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Important Truths
Being the right person is as important as choosing the right person.
Sexual indiscipline before marriage is a warning sign, not romance.
Who you follow determines what follows you.
People You Must Not Marry
An ungodly partner
Proverbs 31:30
A bitter person
Bitterness transfers pain to innocent people.
An angry man
Proverbs 22:24
A lazy man
Someone who “wants to do” but never does.
👉 Between a fine man and a kind man — choose kindness.
2. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT FINANCES
“I love you the way you are” does not mean
“I will endure stagnation forever.”
Truth: Even if your spouse understands, your children will not.
Three Levels of Finances
Not enough
Just enough
More than enough
👉 Don’t settle for survival. Aim for abundance with responsibility.
Wisdom:
If you are not making money like them, don’t spend like them.
3. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT INFLUENCES
Influence can make:
a good person go bad
a bad person become better
Protect your marriage from:
wrong friends
unhealthy advice
toxic in-laws
social media pressure
👉 Pray consistently over your spouse, children, and home.
4. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT ACTIONS
Love must be expressed, not assumed.
Learn to say “I love you”
Create moments (e.g., movie nights)
Communicate daily
Two questions you must ask every day:
How was your day?
What’s your plan for tomorrow?
A day without communication is a wasted day.
5. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT SEX
Marriage is spiritual, emotional, and physical.
“How can you read Romans and not be romantic?”
Intimacy strengthens bonding and reduces unnecessary tension.
6. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness means to give before — deciding in advance not to weaponize offense.
A good marriage is a union of two good forgivers.
Unforgiveness:
breaks self-confidence
damages faith in God
breeds bitterness
invites revenge
👉 Forgive your past. Forgive your ex. Forgive to move forward.
CONCLUSION
Happy endings are possible.
They are not accidental — they are intentional.
Marriage thrives when:
choices are wise
finances are managed
influences are guarded
love is practiced
intimacy is honored
forgiveness flows
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, I declare that my marriage will have a happy ending.
My home will reflect Your wisdom and peace.
I receive grace to be intentional in love, choices, forgiveness, and growth.
My marriage will make a positive difference, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” — Daniel 12:3
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