Last night at small group we began a study on marriage. I’ve now entered an area where I have limited or no expertise! Actually, Kim and I have an awesome relationship (mostly because she is the most amazing person in the world). We were reading in Ephesians 5 last night – look at this:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her….However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:25a, 33
After reading and looking at this, it seemed like Paul got it backwards. Men are to be best at love? That sounds like what women should specialize in. And women are to specialize in respect? That seems like it may be easier for men. But I think God may have set it up so that we both would rely even more on Him.
What do you think?
Wow, do I struggle with this one! Over the last few months, God has been showing me that loving my wife as myself means that her thoughts, feelings, desires, hopes, and dreams (everything that makes her, her) should be just as important, if not more important than my own. I often go to great lengths to get something I want, or get my way. It’s not often I go the same distance for her wants or needs. I see the same thing in my relationship with God.
Is this a curriculum? If so, do you mind sharing which one? Our small group consists of married couples, and we haven’t had a study on marriage yet.
I think it was set up EXACTLY as it should but Satan has told us men that we shouldn’t believe it. So, what has happened is when MEN don’t show love, Women take over the need that we as men should have been showing all along. And vice versa with the respect. I know alot of women who struggle with respect from their peers but we get it as men.
Interesting…
It’s the Fire Proof study. The movie didn’t have the greatest actors, but the message was awesome. FPC has it and you can use it after we finish.
It’s amazing how God models for us how we are to relate to others – if I could just keep my eyes completely on Him!
I think you are right Donny. I hate that we always fall for the deception! You know, we men really need to step it up!
What do I think? I think that men do perfectly fine while they are dating in the love/romancing category and if you don’t believe me ask ANY woman that is married. We know exactly what to do, we just need to realize that after we are married that it must continue.