Holy Matrimony
“Agape”
Ephesians 5

God’s Purpose in Marriage
	The mystery of Jesus, a heavenly Father, and the gospel are unveiled through marriage.
	Self-sacrifice, unconditional love, and grace are expressed through marriage.

“Walk in love…”

Different Types of Love
	Eros – an emotional and physical love, with sensual attraction as the primary focus
	Phileo – brotherly love that is exhibited in close friendships & relationships
	Agape – a self-sacrificing love that moves people to action and looks out for the well-being of 			 others, no matter the cost

Agape love…
Is not based on a feeling, but an action (1 Corinthians 13)
Unconditional and accepting (Romans 5:8) 
Puts the welfare of others above your own (Philippians 2:1-4)
Shows kindness to those who are hard to love (Matthew 5:44)
Is produced by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

“Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love (agape) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” - Romans 5:5

Reasons Marriages Fade
The 50-50 relationship 
Selfishness & pride
Don’t recognize the real enemy

Walk in Agape Love
	Gratitude for everything, even things you can expect
	Remain strong in grace and forgiveness 
	Value others above yourself 
	Give everything without expecting anything in return

“We love because He first loved us.” - 1 John 4:19