For the week of January 15, 2017 Scripture: 1 John 4 âThrow Away the ...
For the week of January 15, 2017 Scripture: 1 John 4 “Throw Away the Records” Big Idea: Keeping a scorecard in your marriage brings resentment and contempt. 1. How would you describe a “great marriage” to someone considering getting married?
2. Read Deuteronomy 24:5. How would things look differently in your life if you focused your efforts on excellence at work and striving to make your spouse happy?
3. Discuss this statement: “Your primary mission field is your home.” How is it that serving our spouse well IS serving God?
4. Read 1 John 4:19-21. Describe the connection between loving God and loving others. Is it possible to truly love God while holding contempt in your heart towards your spouse?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What does it mean to “keep a record of wrongs?” Why is it natural for us to do this? What advantage do we think we gain by “keeping score?”
6. How is keeping a scorecard a form of guilt and manipulation? What does Christ demonstrate for us as a better way?
7. In what way is forgiveness the opposite of “record-keeping?” How can we improve on forgiveness within our marriages?
8. Discuss how the following practices might break the power and habit of “the scorecard” in our marriages: Honest communication? Gratitude? Putting an end to comparisons?
Suggestion: Focus your prayer time on better serving, loving, and forgiving one another in the context of marriage.
2. Read Deuteronomy 24:5. How would things look differently in your life if you focused your efforts on excellence at work and striving to make your spouse happy?
3. Discuss this statement: “Your primary mission field is your home.” How is it that serving our spouse well IS serving God?
4. Read 1 John 4:19-21. Describe the connection between loving God and loving others. Is it possible to truly love God while holding contempt in your heart towards your spouse?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What does it mean to “keep a record of wrongs?” Why is it natural for us to do this? What advantage do we think we gain by “keeping score?”
6. How is keeping a scorecard a form of guilt and manipulation? What does Christ demonstrate for us as a better way?
7. In what way is forgiveness the opposite of “record-keeping?” How can we improve on forgiveness within our marriages?
8. Discuss how the following practices might break the power and habit of “the scorecard” in our marriages: Honest communication? Gratitude? Putting an end to comparisons?
Suggestion: Focus your prayer time on better serving, loving, and forgiving one another in the context of marriage.
