FOR PERSONAL APPLICATION These aspects of the study can be used in between group sessions on your own, either with your spouse or individually as part of your devotional and confession life.
Do Something During the week ahead, turn your learning into doing.
In your personal devotional time each day, take one of the components in the cruciform definition of love: 1) willing; 2) self-sacrifice; 3) for the good of another; 4) that does not demand reciprocation or that the person being loved is deserving. Find and write down at least one passage in which Christ is described as fulfilling each principle. Then, regarding each principle, write down a few issues, particular to you in your marriage , that you need to address. Finally, write down some specific , practical steps by which you can address them—and do them. Search Me, O God For introspection during the coming week. In what circumstances in my marriage am I particularly prone to say Yes! to temptation and self- indulgence? Why are these circumstances so hard for me to resist? Do I feel entitled? Do I think that because my spouse is doing certain things, therefore I have a tit-for-tat right to do my things? Or do I act from anger and resentment at my spouse? Does Christ treat me this way in any circumstance? Am I properly grateful to him for all he has done for me? How must I show my gratitude to him in the way I treat my loved one? Want to Know More? Tripp mentions but does not explore 1 Corinthians 13 , the Bible’s description par excellence of the love that we are to have for one another. This description—better yet, pre scription—arguably has its supreme application in marriage, in the love that a husband and wife should have for one another. Read this chapter slowly in one sitting for several days. Get to know true love. And as you do, look at yourself in your marriage through this lens, not as a cold critique but as a kind and profound mentor, and let it have its way with you in guiding you to love your loved one wonderfully. And this will be most effective if you memorize it for a lifetime of service. For More From Paul Tripp, Read: Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make, Chapters 13 and 14
Session 7
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
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