 |
 |
|
| In This Issue • Marriage Tip 14: Receive and Give Support • Monthly Marriage Enrichment Group • Other Upcoming Opportunities |
| Marriage Tip 14:
Receive and Give Support The need for support is met by coming alongside and gently helping with a problem or struggle; providing appropriate assistance; and helping to carry a load. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) God meets our ultimate need for support by anticipating the great burden that we could not bear ourselves (the punishment for our sins), by committing His personal resources (His Son, Jesus) to do whatever it takes to bear our burdens. Know that it truly is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We all start out believing that it is more blessed to receive than to give. We each have a God-given desire to make an impact and to feel that our lives are making a positive difference. As we see the joy and gratefulness our service evokes in our mate we are indeed surprised by joy. Serving others is the pre-requisite for true success. “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:11,12). Be alert and take initiative. Be aware of the physical and spiritual events around you so that you can recognize and do what needs to be done before you are asked to do them. Don’t just stand at a distance and give advice but be hands on. Remember that slow help is no help. Serving may be your partner’s love language. For some, love is most felt through acts of service (rather than words, gifts, time, or affection). Be patient with your partner’s ability to support. Being other-centered and serving others is contrary to our natural inclinations. So be patient. Marriage is hard and most get more training in how to drive a car than to be a spouse and parent. Serving others is more caught than taught and many of us have not had very good role models of selfless sacrificial service. Be alert to the specific things that bring stress to your partner. Whether it’s holiday meal preps, speaking in front of people, a job evaluation, or a commission-oriented job in a down economy, all of us have certain things that are especially stressful. Know what those are for your mate and offer extra support. Plan times of escapes. Having just one fun time of escape planned can add hope and support to endure, knowing there is a break in sight. Pray together. Men: your wife would feel greatly supported if you offered to pray for her. She doesn’t care how good you are at it—only that you are the one to initiate. How have received and given support? |
 |
||
| Just subscribed? Click here to view all of our previous marriage tips and e-newsletters | |||
| About Karl Elkins Karl Elkins, LPC, ThM, MA, CSC, BCPCC, DAPA has 25 years of counseling experience and is an Adjunct Instructor at College of Biblical Studies teaching Marriage and Family courses. He is Founder and President of Christway Counseling Center P.C. specializing in marriage and family counseling. He earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. He was formerly on staff with Intimate Life Ministries and director of a Houston Minirth-Meier New Life Clinic. He is married to Terry Elkins and has two grown children. |
 |
| Other Upcoming Opportunities Two-Day Marriage Clinic™ The fastest way to marriage harmony! A two-day clinic to learn and experience the 25 Core Relational Life Skills. More Info » Three-Day Accelerated Marriage Counseling (AMC)™ Includes all of the topics, instruction, and counseling projects in the Two-Day Marriage Clinic™, but is completely private—you, your partner and the counselor only. More Info » Individual Counseling We offer individual counseling to couples desiring an introductory session or two, follow-up sessions, or focused counseling. More Info » FREE Marriage Builder Series Don’t just tie the knot, but tighten the knot as you strengthen abilities to incorporate relevant and practical biblical principles in these couples’ group classes. Child care included. First Tuesday of every month (6:30-8:30pm). More Info » Contact Information Phone: (832) 358-0900 E-Mail: terry@christwaycounseling.com Web: www.christwaycounseling.com  |
| © 2010 Christway Counseling Center. All rights reserved. |
