Security (Peace)
Establishing and maintaining harmony in our relationships and providing freedom from fear or threat of harm through expressions of vulnerability, deepening of trust and successful resolution of conflict.
Romans 12:10 1 Peter 2:17
A Worthy Goal: (a little Respect 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.
From marriage to politics, from the economy to healthcare, and from international affairs to urban issues – we are witnessing a destabilization of what we felt was, heretofore, non-negotiable. Though we may not have ultimate control in many places, what would you say to making 2015 a year of “Stability and Safety at Home”? Let’s take a few minutes this week to talk about Security in relationships … starting at home.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Dave Lewis The Basic Idea Helping Leaders Live Loved and Give Love Freely….Starting at Home!
Set aside a few minutes this week or plan a date night to discuss SECURITY together.
Husband, would you lead this time? Please be prepared to lead by reviewing the questions below. When ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time.
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LOVE (SPEAK) Jesus made it clear: “love one another as I have loved you”. John 13: 34 – Since He loves us by valuing us highly, the Holy Spirit will help us love that way too. I John 5:14-15
1. Has your spouse heard you say words similar to “only death will separate us” to re-enforce your commitment to him/her? (your wedding ceremony does not count) 🙂
2. How important is it to you that your spouse says words that mean commitment, deep connection, and strong bonds in your relationship? How would you like your partner to let you know he/she is planning to always be with you?
3. How often do you find yourself “by yourself” in another room, a different area of the house, gone from your spouse? Are you leaving her/him alone too long, too often? On the other hand, do you need to give more “space” at times?
4. How could you use date nights, talk times, prayer time, family mealtimes, and “together” activities to help build more security into your marriage? How important is it for your spouse to know that you spend time with God in prayer and Bible study? How would that impact his/her security?
5. What plan could you and your spouse put in place for times when you have trouble settling issues and the conflict lasts too long? What resources can you pre-plan to use if such conflict hits your relationship?
Now — What About the Kids? Ask- Listen- Respond
You and your children may benefit from discussing the following questions with your spouse or other caring adult.
1. Is anything happening to your child that needs for you to intervene and keep him/her safe? I don’t mean to coddle him/her, but I know that at times children are left to take care of issues they may need help in processing.
2. Do you apologize to each other as adults in front of your children and ask forgiveness to model how to resolve conflicts? You may not be surprised to know that very few children have memories of adults apologizing to them or to one another.
It’s in the Book!
Jesus promised to be with us “even to the end of the age”.
Matthew 28:20