1
God’s Purpose for Marriage 1
Reflecting His Image 3
Completing One Another 6
Multiplying and a Godly Legacy 7
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2
Challenges to God’s Purpose for Marriage 10

3
Before You Say “I Do” 18
Be Not Unequally Yoked 19
Compatibility is Important 21
Families Must Be Like-Minded 22
Prospects in Life Must Be Attuned 24
Pre-Marital Counselling Should Be a High Priority 26
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4
Communication - First Level: Understanding 30
Time 31
Trust 32
Transparency 34
Listening: Seeking to Understand 35

5
Communication - Second Level: Resolving Conflict 41
One Stone at a Time Can Build a Dividing Wall 46
Resolving Conflict Requires Humility and Forgiveness 49

​6
Communication - Third Level: Sexual Intimacy 53
All of Us Have Different Ideas, Expectations and
Fantasies About Sex 53
Creating Friendship 58
Lasting Commitment 59
Deepening Passion 60
Exploring Sexual Intimacy 61
Sexual Union 62
The Beginning of a Sexual Relationship Requires
Wisdom and Sensitivity 64

​7
God’s Plan for Harmony 68
God Met Adam’s Needs by Creating Eve 70
“Leaving and Cleaving” is the Responsibility of
Both Parties 72
God Uses Our Natural Differences to Build Harmony 74

8
The Husband’s Role in Facilitating Harmony in Marriage 76
Love as Christ Did 79
Lead Like a Servant 80
Husband’s Leadership and Responsibility in the Home 82
Leadership in Marriage Should Be Sensitive,
Caring and Gentle 82

​9
The Wife’s Role in Facilitating Harmony in Marriage 85
Loving Your Husband 87
Encouraging Your Husband 89
Respecting Your Husband 92

10
Blended Families 94
Discipline 98
Time Spent Together 99

11
Money Management and Budgeting 102
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12
Leaving a Godly Legacy 112
Conclusion 120