For the next 3 installments of the 52-Week Plan, we will be exploring “ingredients of a healthy relationship”. In Chapter 5 of the Intimate Encounters workbook, these 4 ingredients are explored. They are as follows:
1. Affectionate Care
2. Vulnerable Communication
3. Joint Accomplishment 4. Mutual Giving. This week we are examining Affectionate Care. So let’s discover how good we are at demonstrating to our spouse –in no uncertain terms — that “I am FOR you!”
In this email, you’ll find the “Ingredient of the Week”, which highlights one of the four essentials for a healthy marriage.
Our “LOVE(Speak)” section contains five questions crafted to enhance communication as a couple. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our “Q4K” section, offering questions to use as you talk about these relational tools with your kids!
We have also included some “Getting Started” suggestions if you need a little direction as you begin.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for us!
The TBI Ministries Team
Getting Started
Be intentional about setting aside a few minutes this week or planning a date night to discuss Affectionate Caring together.
Husband, would you lead this time by reviewing the statements to be completed or questions being asked so that you know how to make the most of your time? When you are ready, please initiate a “LOVE(Speak)” time with your wife.
Ingredient of the Week Affectionate Caring “I care about you!” “I am for you!
LOVE(Speak)
1. Which of the Ten Relational Needs seem to be the most important ones to you currently?
2. Which of the Ten Relational Needs seem to be the most important ones to your spouse?
3. Are there unresolved areas of hurt in your marriage that are hindering your willingness to help meet the needs in your spouse’s life or that cause you to not accept your spouse’s overtures of affectionate care?
4. What steps could be taken to resolve or diminish the hurt you two have experienced? What steps have you tried before? Perhaps your church or business has connections with marriage mentors or counselors, who could help you resolve issues. Maybe all it would take is for each of you to spend time in prayer, then come together to discuss what God told you needs to be done…on your part..not your spouse’s.
5. How important is it to you, your children, and others that you two find a healthy way to heal your hurt and resolve differences? In what ways are you helping your children or Children of Focus more accurately know the love of God, as you and your spouse show that you are truly “FOR” each other.
Q4K: Yours or Others’
1. Do your children feel love from you on a heart level? Do they guess they are or know they are loved? Do they know you are “For” them and on their team?
2. What resources have you used to learn how to love your children even more than you were loved as a child?