Embrace your relationship: release the old and receive the new

By Kermit Rowe 
Encompass Relationship Facilitator 

As we transition into this new year, a question has been on my mind: Did I make the most of my marriage in 2022? 

It’s not a question for the faint of heart. It’s an examining question, a difficult question, and it leads to another question: Will I be honest enough with myself about this question? 
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On this particular question, even though I’ve been married to my beautiful bride for 36 years and we don’t have any major marital issues, if I’m honest I’d have to admit I haven’t given our gift of holy matrimony its deserved consistent attention. I’d venture to say, all of us who wear someone else’s ring would say the same.

Whenever I need answers to the difficult questions in life and want to know how to apply those answers to my life, I always turn to the best-selling marriage manual, the best-selling book of all time – the Bible. 
II Cor. 5:17 speaks to me on this searching question: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” I know this verse doesn’t have marriage in mind, but it does contain the recipe for true growth. That makes these great words of hope! 

Here we find two terrific truths: We can make the most of our marriage (and any other relationship) by releasing the old and receiving the new. This all speaks to me about the power of forgiveness.

• We have to leave all mistakes we make with each other in the past. If we have damaged our relationship with negative communication patterns, we must leave them in the past. That’s the only way to get past them. If not, we let past errors negative impact current growth opportunities. But how do we do this? That’s where the last part of this verse comes in.
• If we receive new truths into our interactions, they will bring new results. We replace old useless ways with new useful ways. 

That’s where we come in!  The variety of programs found at Encompass Connection Center insert time-tested truths into relationship struggles and help set couples free from the damage negative communication patterns have created in their relationship. New understandings are gained. New respect is found,  and a new acceptance is found in a newly formed relationship safety. This process produces a refreshed passion for each other and a new appreciation for God’s timeless truths. 

If you’re looking for guidance and growth in your relationship or parenting abilities, get in touch with a knowledgeable and sincere advocate or coach at Encompass Connection center by following the links below. ​
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