Support
Coming alongside others and providing gentle, appropriate assistance with a problem or struggle. Galatians 6:2
Jesus was with his disciples through celebration and challenging times and left His Spirit. John 14:18
Are you struggling with anything this week – maybe feeling like the burden is too much too bear, too heavy to carry alone? Even if you’re not in the middle of a serious struggle right now, I bet you could think of a time in the not too distant past when you were experiencing just that. Let’s take a few minutes to talk about Support and how we can help carry each others burdens.
A Worthy Goal: (a little Support from TBI)
Don’t stop investing wisely into your marriage and family until your children and friends envy your relationship and want what you have…. “faith expressing itself in love” – Galatians 5:6.
Set aside a few minutes this week or plan a date night to discuss Support together.
Husband, would you lead this time? Get prepared to lead by reviewing the questions below? When ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time with your wife.
LOVE(Speak)
1. What are some of the circumstances in your life when you need support from your spouse? Does he/she know it / provide it?
2. Thinking back to your family of origin, was this concept of support and sharing burdens modeled for you? Did your parents support one another? Did your spouse’s parents support each other? How has that affected the way you two respond to this need in each others life?
3. How do you let your spouse know you would like some help?
4. How do you let him/her know that you appreciate the support you get?
5. Are you enough of a “student of your spouse” to know when your support is needed, or do you need to be prompted? Maybe you could ask!
Application: Do you meet with each other on a regular basis to discuss schedules, finances, etc.? Consider adding this question to the agenda: “Where do you most need my help today, this coming week (month, etc.)?”
What About the Kids? Ask your kids/child of focus these questions or discuss the following concept of Support with other adults to discover more ways to showing support.
1. If your child has responsibilities around the house or has homework, ask him/her how you could help this week. Maybe he/she needs a little help taking care of household chores so more time can be spent on homework. Perhaps they need homework help from a patient parent.
2. Ask your Child of Focus: Would you help me do ______, since your dad or mom is so busy this week? Maybe you and your child could load the dishwasher, do a load of laundry (please use the recommended amount of detergent : ), take out the trash, watch a sibling for a few minutes, etc.