13 Keys in RelationshipsSample

Key 9: Apply 1 Corinthians 13

A wonderful idea is to decide on some time out together as a couple, say about 2-3 hours at least. Take along your Bibles and a notebook. Start reading 1 Corinthians 13 together. Slowly read one verse at a time, then discuss it, and see how you can apply it in your relationship. Make some notes of what stands out to both of you. Then move on to the next verse. Pray together at the end, asking the Holy Spirit to help you walk in LOVE towards one another. You can repeat this exercise from time to time to refresh your memory, but also to add more ideas that will help you grow together as a couple.

Key 10: Build in some safeguards

When we started out in ministry, our ministry leader sat us down and said: "I want to tell you something very important today. My door always stands open to the two of you. Whenever either one of you struggles with something with regards to the other and it seems impossible to solve, you are welcome to come to me. I will not judge you. I will pray with you until God gives you the breakthrough." I cannot begin to tell what that meant to us as a young couple. Throughout the years we were able to offer that same support to many others. It helps to have someone you can trust with a difficult matter, when the world feels upside down.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

>> Do you have trusted people you can invite to speak into your relationship from a godly perspective? Someone who will not take "one side," but will guide you both to walk in God's will for your relationship?

>> Do you have someone who will pray for your relationship or marriage when you go through a difficult patch until you are out on the other side?

>> If there is no one you feel comfortable asking to speak into your lives, ask the Lord for such a couple to come alongside you.