Apr 26, 2021
Jon joins Scott to reflect on the topics we've covered this season and lessons learned from his own marriage.
1. Marriage and parenting teach us a ton. But especially help us
grow to be selfless in a way nothing else can. Why do you think
this is true? How have you experienced this kind of transformation
in your life?
2. Marriage is a visible demonstration of the love of God for
people. Marriage apart from the picture of Christ and His bride
isn’t going to find fulfillment. How can we intentionally pursue
this biblical picture of marriage?
3. Which of Jon’s tips for building a strong marriage have been
helpful to you? Which do you want or need to pursue? Take your time
and learn from older couples. Pray a lot. Serve together. Invest in
the church. Be realistic with financial expectations. Work on
conflict resolution. Invest in relationships with a few other
couples.
4. What is it about sharing a meal together with the people we love
that transforms us? How does it build your family’s relationships?
What is accomplished by sharing this space?
5. In the Bible, the Book of Psalms is like a medicine cabinet. If
you need words to express your emotion or feeling, you can find it
there. Share how God’s words have helped you express emotions,
whether they’ve been painful or joy-filled. What are you walking
through in this season that could use help from the Psalms to
express in words?
6. God chose us. Handpicked us. Adopted us into His family.
Adoption is a theme in the NT. If God did that for us, He’d want
that for all of us. How can churches help even more families adopt?
How could you help personally, financially and otherwise?
7. Considering divorce? Apologize. Forgive. Own what you did. Give
it time. Build and rebuild trust. You may have biblical grounds for
divorce, but you’re not required to take this step. Where can you
reach out for help?
8. Remember: Everyone in your family is going to die eventually.
Prepare as you’re able but it’s never going to be easy. The
marriage vow, “In sickness and in health,” reminds us to enjoy what
we have today. How can you actively and verbally express your
gratitude for the people in your life today?
9. Resilience is something this world needs; the ability to stand
in the face of sickness, difficulty, loss. Two are better than one;
two becoming one. There’s a strength and joy infused into your life
when two people are faithful to Him and to each other. Take time to
craft a clear statement of your intent to be faithful… in your
marriage, friendships, parenting, work… everywhere. Share with your
group via email this week.