Week 1: Rooted
April 9 & 12
Marriage was God’s idea.
We were created for relationship.
Marriage is a covenant…not a contract.
Where have you slipped into “contract thinking” in your marriage covenant?
Oneness requires surrender.
Marriage is meant to be a picture of Christ’s love for His people.
What are you rooted in?
This week’s challenge:
Recommit to covenant.
Repent of contractual love.
Invite God in…pray together.
[d]Group Questions
Read Genesis 2:18-24 and Ephesians 5:31-32 together as a group.
Root Check
When pressure or conflict shows up in your life, what does it reveal you’re truly rooted in—feelings, expectations, control, or the Lord? Where do you see shallow roots in your life being exposed right now?Covenant vs. Contract
In what ways do people (married or unmarried) tend to drift into a “contract mindset” in relationships? Where are you personally tempted to say, “I’ll stay as long as…” instead of “I’m committed no matter what”?Oneness & Surrender
Why is surrender so difficult in relationships? What is one area (attitude, habit, preference, control) where you need to surrender for the sake of unity?Gospel Reflection
If your life (or marriage, if married) is preaching a message about Jesus, what is it currently saying? What would it look like this week to reflect His covenant love more clearly?
Group Prayer Prompt
Start with surrender: Ask God to reveal anything you’re rooted in besides Him—control, fear, expectations, or comfort.
Move to repentance: Confess any areas where you’ve been living with a contract mindset instead of covenant commitment (in marriage or any relationship).
Pray for deeper roots: Ask the Holy Spirit to root your life in Christ—His love, His truth, His faithfulness.
Pray for each other based on season:
Married: Pray for covenant strength, unity, and a willingness to surrender for oneness.
Unmarried: Pray for wisdom, patience, and a life rooted in Christ—not culture—as you prepare for future relationships or walk faithfully in singleness.