Biblical Concept: Marriage, building trust in
P In general not getting along? In general decide to get along. Moment by moment “pursue the things which
make for peace.”
P Right before you leave for work share a long hug. When you arrive home after your busy day,
greet each other with a long hug.
P Study the Biblical Concept: Peace point 4. As you do, discuss how you can apply peace
toward each other.
P Study the Biblical Concept: Simplicity
together. As you do, discuss how you can
apply simplicity toward each other.
P Study the Biblical Concept: Judging
together. As you do, discuss how you can
avoid negatively judging each other.
P Mutual mental attitudes to avoid: preconception1,
anticipation2, contrarian3, competition4,
deliberation5.
P Marriage is a unique relationship; do not treat your
partner like you would anyone else in the world.
P Treat your partner with Grace (beneficial
opportunity).
P Practice forgiving and forgetting. Study the Biblical Concept: Forgetting. As you do, discuss how forgetting can be
applied toward each other.
P Constantly give yourself an objectivity test. Is what I am doing or saying: right or wrong,
true or false, opinion or fact, constructive or destructive, objective or
subjective? Why am I saying or doing
what I am toward my one-flesh-partner?
____________
[1] You are not qualified to be a mind reader.
Only God is, see 1 Corinthians 4:5.
2 Do not assume what your partner is thinking. Ask for a direct answer. Anticipation can easily
become a form of sinful judging.
3 Avoid taking an opposite view just for the sake of taking an opposite
view. Avoid a debater’s lifestyle.
4 Win in every area of life you can.
However, in the “one flesh” relationship of marriage, defeating your partner
becomes self-defeating.
5 Debating can wear a relationship out.
Make sure the subject is worth debating.
Avoid a debater’s lifestyle.