Reflection And Wisdom Lovingly Shared

counsel - Reflection and Wisdom Lovingly Shared

Listen to counsel . . . that you may be wise. Proverbs 19:20

Meeting the need for counsel in marriage is challenging for both the one giving and the one receiving. Giving counsel means I (David) must share my reflections in a loving manner, when given permission to do so. God also wants there to be an openness to my spouse’s counsel, and therefore at times I must humble myself and ask her to share her reflections with me. What a call to maturity!

In a maturing relationship, we must seek counsel from one another in dealing with our marriage, our children, and our work. We need to ask these questions: “Next time I notice you feeling so (frustrated, withdrawn, sad), what response from me would help most?” “You seem to be more patient than I am when the kids begin to (procrastinate, talk back). What suggestions for me would you have?” “Why do you think I have such difficulty getting along with my boss? Is there a part of me that needs to grow?”

Wisdom is the payoff from listening to counsel. I grow in wisdom as I ask for and receive Teresa’s input. She alone knows me well enough to share the truth I need to hear. By listening to her words, I gain insight and a wealth of knowledge that causes me to become more Christlike. By listening to her counsel, I am more equipped to make right decisions and more adequate in my ability to relate to others.

Teresa and I think of it this way: God views us as “two becoming one.” Because of that, input from the “other half” of me seems wise indeed!

In what area could you gain wisdom from your spouse’s counsel? When will you ask him or her for that counsel?