Affection
To communicate care and closeness through physical touch and words
Rom. 16:16
Jesus had compassion on people in need
and loved his disciples to the end.
John 13:1
Does your spouse ask what you’d like to eat for dinner or which restaurant is your favorite? You probably prefer different “favorite” foods or restaurants. We are all so different and may want affection shown in different ways. Let’s take a few minutes to learn more about how to effectively communicate affection to one another. The need for affection is as important to your soul as food is to the body.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for us!
The TBI Ministries Team
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 Affection 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.
LOVE(Speak)
1. What helpful, positive revelations about relationships did you discover in the early days of your marriage?
2. Fill in the blank (multiple answers are allowed): When my spouse _______________, I feel really loved and cared for.
3. Fill in the blank: I wish we ___________________ more/less, so that I would feel even more loved.
As your spouse shares answers to #1-#3, you’ll get helpful clues about ways to show love to him/her even more effectively.
4. In what ways have you used “non-sexual” touch to communicate affection to your spouse? (hugs, soft touches, saying “I love you”, holding one another)
Respond to this statement: “These means of showing affection should not be used exclusively around times when sex is the outcome.”
5. How could you improve at sharing affection (as defined above) with your spouse and even better fulfill Jesus’ command in John 13:34, 35 to love others as He loves you?
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 affection today, this coming week (month, etc.)?”
What About the Kids? Ask – Listen – Respond
Do your kids see you show affection to one another? Do you think that is a good idea, if the affection being shown is done in an appropriate manner?
How were you shown affection during your childhood or teen years?
Was it appropriate? Was it enough or could you have used more of it?
When your child has done nothing out of the ordinary to earn it, please take the time to hug him/her and use words that affirm value: “You are such an important part of my life and of our family. I love you very much.”