Podcasts
We podcast our messages. Subscribe with your favorite podcast software. More info....
Watch our sermons online at SearchableSermons.com.
Print this pageExtreme Makeover: Life Edition | Marriage Makeover | June 25-26, 2005 |
Food for Thought for the week of June 26, 2005
(Questions and Scriptures for further study)
1. This week we looked at the importance of gaining understanding when your relationship with your spouse or other significant people seems to hit an impasse. What principles or guidelines do the following verses give you to gain understanding of the other person’s point of view?
Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-- [NIV]
Proverbs 2:11
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you. [NIV]
Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue. [NIV]
Proverbs 20:5
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out. [NIV]
Romans 12:19
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. [NIV]
1 Corinthians 10:24
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. [NIV]
James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [NIV]
Which of the above verses is most important for you to put into practice when the conflict begins?
2. Keeping in mind the value and worth of the other person in the midst of conflict is key in being able to work toward resolve. Unfortunately, conflict, failed expectations and miscommunication can cloud our view of seeing any positive qualities in the other person and can send us into a downward spiral. How do the following verses help us keep in mind the other person’s positive qualities?
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. [NIV]
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. [NIV]
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. [NIV]
Philippians 2:3-5
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
[5] Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: [NIV]
Write down 3-5 other positive character qualities of your spouse or close friend that are important to remember when the conflict comes.
3. Identifying and communicating expectations of each other are oftentimes the missing link to resolving our differences. Get another piece of paper and write down your expectations in the following categories. Are there any that seem to be a source of conflict with your spouse or friend that you need to talk about? Are there any expectations you need to ask them about?
Work | Ministry | Social Life |