Marriage: Interdependence With a Touch of Independence (Part 2)
In my last post I explained the simple but powerful practice that Willard Harley calls, The Policy of Joint Agreement:
Never do anything without an enthusiastic agreement between you and your spouse.
Now lets consider five practical benefits that you and your spouse can experience as a result of adopting this policy:
- It gives you an opportunity to resolve conflicts the right way—that is, the way that takes the interests of both of you into account simultaneously.
- The final decision arrived at is often times wiser than any decision you would have made on your own.
- This agreement helps you become more sensitive to each others feelings, which is often not our first inclination.
- It leads you to ask this important question: “How do you feel about what I would like to do?” You may not actually feel what your spouse feels, but at least you give your spouse the opportunity to inform you.
- This simple question helps you build a loving understanding with each other.
Is this not what the Apostle Peter was saying in 1 Peter 3:7?
“7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” – 1 Peter 3:7 NLT
Give the principle a try! I think you will thank God that you did and probably enjoy your mate a whole lot more as you do life together.
Please feel free to drop me a line if you would like more teachings on marriage or the family at dale@daleebel.org