By Brother George, Couples Bible Study
We had a tremendous year at our Bible study sessions this season.
It has been proven time and time again that small Bible study groups bring forth many valuable discussions and lessons based on the reading of the verses and real life examples. I think its ground for growth (if it’s done Biblically and with the right spirit!)
Christ First
The topics covered in our bible study start with Christ being in our lives first and then moving on to the purpose of marriage: honoring/caring for each other, communication, forgiveness, dealing with conflict, money, intimacy, parenting and love. Many more topics can be discussed from the Bible related to marriage and each one of them, without exception makes us think about real situations in our lives.
Listen
An example that comes to mind which we encountered on the topic of communication was listening or hearing. We all know that the methods of communication are: speaking, body language, writing and hearing/listening. Hearing (listening to exactly what the other person says without any assumptions) is one of the hardest communication actions and the Bible shows us through many passages including the Proverbs.
Here are some examples:
- 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
- 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Did you know that the way we listen is directly dependent on our spiritual condition? Here is another proverb as an example of that condition:
- 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue..
In other words, the one who loves wickedness pays attention to false stories and whoever loves lying will love to hear bad things. So many times in our lives we pile up different issues without resolution or forgiveness. When an issue arises or our spouse communicates with us, we hear whatever our hearts are conditioned to hear. We misunderstand what is said, allowing all the bad that we feel to surface (the straw that broke the camel’s back).
You see… by dwelling only on the bad things around us instead of dealing with them, we start going against God, becoming more bitter ever day. Instead of getting closer to God by obeying Him, we are getting further and further away. Our ears, therefore, are not ready to hear anything good anymore but we look carefully at the words that are being said for the sole purpose of identifying yet another reason why we should get upset.
I am always amazed with God’s way of showing the way through the Word for our own good!!!
I can’t wait for the next blog to elaborate about forgiveness within married couples.
