March 29, 2009
Appreciate + Admire (Premarital Class)
Posted by John Loppnow
Here at YNCC we want to do whatever it takes so that people have the kind of marriage that God dreams of. In my first class I teach both knowledge and skills that enable people to have a loving marriage. The kind of marriage the advertises God’s love to one another and to our neighbor.
The first skill I teach couples is called Appreciation + Admiration. It is a skill built upon God’s word and Phil 4:8 is one passage that reflects this truth.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Gratitude for the greatest gifts in life (our spouses) is something that should overflow in our lives. This skill A+A (appreciation + admiration) is a practical way to live out the truth of this verse in our lives. Not only does scripture call us to love our spouses. This is one practical way we can proactively do this.
To Appreciate one another is to verbally recognize something that they have said or done that was positive/pleasant.
“Honey, I appreciate that helped fold the laundry last night. It really helped me out and let me know you care.”
“I appreciate you paying the bills this past weekend.”
To Admire one another is to verbally recognize a quality in our partner that is positive.
“I really admire how diligent you are in whatever you are working on. You always follow through until it is done with excellence.”
“I admire how encouraging you are. Not only to me, but to others. You genuinely see the best in people.”
“I admire how forgiving and gracious you are. I have experienced it and I see that you hold no grudges towards people. I want to grow in this.”
We need to find ways of building up one another. Your spouse is made in the image of God and is God’s gift to you. Find a way to recognize how they reflect the image of God and let them know. Its not meaningful if it stays in your mind and your partner isn’t aware of what you hold in your heart.
So, I encourage you to appreciate and admire your spouse. You can also appreciate and admire your parents, family members, church members and even people you work with. All people are made in the image of God. Look for what you can appreciate and admire.
Blessings as you seek to love God and love your neighbor.
Comments
i’m glad you posted this. gonna try this today~ thanks!!
Posted by jlovesjesus on May 1, 2009
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