Value your spouse’s (male/female) perspective

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife.

Proverbs 21:19

Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pursue a win win resolution

1 Corinthians 7:32, 34

He who is married cares about… how he may please his wife.

She who is married cares about …how she may please her husband.

Distinguish commands, freedom, and wisdom

Genesis 2:16, 17

The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat.”

1 Thessalonians 3:1

…we thought it best…

Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

James 1:19, 20

Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

QUESTIONS FOR LIFE

1. Please read this passage: Gen 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

2.If you’re married (or have been married) do you think you have tended to value or not value your spouse’s (male/female) perspective? Please explain.

3.Can you tell about a time that your spouse’s perspective changed your thinking and decision in a good way? Can you tell about a time you ignored your spouse’s perspective and later wished you had not?

4.Please read this passage:  1 Corinthians 7:32, 34 He who is married cares about… how he may please his wife. She who is married cares about …how she may please her husband.

5.Is the pursuit of a win win resolution a new idea to you (or not)? Please explain.

6.How would you describe your previous resolution strategy (if not win win)?

7.Please read these passages and relate them to the diagram.

Genesis 2:16, 17  The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat.”

1 Thessalonians 3:1 …we thought it best…         

8.Can you tell about a time that you did (or did not) distinguish commands, freedom, and wisdom in a marriage conflict? How did that turn out?

9.Please read this passage: James 1:19, 20 Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

10.Can you tell your group if you think you are pretty good or not so good at doing what God says in this passage?

11.How important has this passage been to your marriage? How important do you think it should be?

12.What are you hoping to gain from this series?