Day 30 LOVE BRINGS UNITY

This study looks at the perfect love, unity and togetherness of the Trinity. The call is for marriages to reflect that relationship.

Putting the other person in our marriage first, treating their body as our body, respecting and honoring them as we desire to be respected and honoured. This is the call. And dealing with everything that seeks to destroy that unity.

"Day 30 Unity (first time through)

"What am I doing that may be destroying our chance of unity?

"Not giving Liz space?
"Not resolving differences over the kids?
"I must back Liz when she speaks to the kids, even if I disagree. We must remain in unity. But for the sake of unity we must discuss the difficult issues, the areas of difference.

"We need to discuss last nights comments. Liz said that I had not believed her, that I had disagreed but not said so. I need to let her know what I felt. And why I didn't tell her what I disagreed with. She needs to know I love her enough to want to discuss everything without fear. "

"Day 30 (3rd Jan; second time)

"Love brings unity.

"The unity of the Godhead is complete and special. God has chosen the unique relationship of husband and wife to represent His internal unity in a special way to the world.
"He uses this imagery to explain his love for the church.

"Protect the unity and sanctity of my marriage in every way. I must guard and cover our relationship. I need to honour Liz and lift her up as my equal, my partner, as part of me.

"Satan is bent on destroying unity in marriages everywhere. He must not be allowed to succeed. I need to guard my heart against every thought, every feeling that works against our unity.

"I must keep remembering to "sow to the Spirit". "

The whole issue of unity is a continuing one. Open, honest communication is needed, where each of us is able to speak and to listen. To hear without judging. To give without demanding. To receive also.

I want to do whatever it takes to improve the unity in our marriage. One thing I have done by habit, I suppose out of a misguided fear of disunity, was to avoid confrontation. I have habitually avoided or gone quiet when I feel uncomfortable, when I don't agree, or when I don't know what to say.

I guess that Liz would assume my silence means disapproval. Perhaps it even makes her feel rejected or undervalued. I will have to ask her. It's not what I mean to convey. Sometimes I just feel awkward. I don't know what to say. Sometimes I am afraid of my opinions being rejected. Sometimes I actually do disagree. That's not usually the actual reality, but I am sure that it is the impression I convey.

I don't Liz feeling disapproved or undervalued. Or rejected. I want her to know her opinions matter to me. I want her to know she is loved and valued very highly. I will have to talk this one through with her. I want that unity with her. It is very important to me. I love Liz and want her to feel safe in our love, safe in our marriage, secure and loved.