Affectionate Caring
“I care about you.” “I want to be your friend.”
Romans 12:10
Enemy – Unresolved Pain in the Relationship
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.
Isn’t it amazing how complex our life can become…and we don’t even have to try hard to make it so? The New Year-2015- is still new enough for us to resolve to try to “keep it simple”(KIS). I know I could have said, “Keep it simple, stupid” (KISS), but as our kids would tell you, “We don’t say ‘stupid’.” So, in order to keep the regrets to a minimum, let’s invest time caring deeply for our family and the Lord Jesus making sure our key relationships attain and stay high priorities.
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 AFFECTIONATE CARE 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 inviting us to give him our burdens, the Holy Spirit will help us love others by helping carry their burdens. I John 5:14-15
1. What 3 to 5 qualities do you consider necessary in a true friend?
2. According to your definition, how do you rate yourself as being a friend to others? How many others? Inside the faith? Outside the faith?
Circle One: Awful, Not so hot, Pretty good, Really Good, One of the Best
3. According to your definition, how do you rate yourself as being a friend to your spouse?
Circle One: Awful, Not so hot, Pretty good, Really Good, One of the Best
4. If you could help your spouse understand better your need for him/her to be a true friend, what would you say? Let your spouse know your vision for becoming or staying best friends.
5. How do you get better at being each other’s true friend? If you don’t have a good answer, to whom could you go for help? If you don’t know anyone, please continue to use and pass along to others the 52-Week Plan. We built this resource to help us be better lovers and to build deepening friendships. You might be surprised how rare deep friendships really are. Let’s make them less rare and more available!
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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. Who is your child’s best friend at this stage of life? Are you happy with your answer? Who are the adults in your child’s life who truly care and communicate love to his/her heart?
2. How can you become a true friend of your child over time without smothering him? This question deserves your taking time to discuss with spouse, parent, or other trusted role-model of parenting.
It’s in the Book!!
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10