A Word Worth Sharing

CORE PRACTICE #23: Share with each other the lessons you learn as you study the Bible.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. —Romans 15:4

Lauren

Our family’s move to Minnesota was rough on me because I had to leave a community I’d grown to love in Kansas City. I’m naturally a positive person, but for the first time in my life, I had to fight a near-daily battle against discouragement. Thankfully, I began attending a Bible Study Fellowship group, which helped me see that God was at work—even during the brutally cold winters of Minnesota.

In fact, I was so full of enthusiasm about the study and the teachings that I would often drive to Tony’s office right after my class, and over lunch I would share what I had learned that week. I was so on fire about Bible Study Fellowship that it caused a fire to spark within Tony as well. I think he realized he needed to learn more and to grow spiritually, just as he was growing as a football coach.

Largely due to my enthusiasm, Tony signed up for the men’s Bible Study Fellowship class that was held on Monday nights. We enjoyed going over the same material and learning some of the same lessons. The conversation during our lunches after my BSF class became even richer!

Today Tony and I do a devotional study together in the mornings. Not only is it a great way for us to study the Word on a regular basis, but by doing it together, we can continue to help each other grow and apply the lessons we learn as individuals, as well as in our marriage and in our home.

Of course, Tony and I also often hear the same sermons and the same devotionals, and we participate in many of the same prayer services. At times we take away the same thoughts and reactions, and we sense that we are in step with what we have heard and experienced. At other times we draw slightly different, or sometimes completely different, pictures from what we have heard.

That’s not a bad thing. When our reactions differ, I find it helpful to hear how Tony interpreted what we read or heard. It helps me look at things more deeply and to try to grasp what God may be trying to tell me, or more important, what He may be trying to do with me. Often, it causes me to examine God’s Word in a way I wouldn’t have seen without Tony’s thoughts.

All too often, however, we don’t discuss what we’ve been learning. Either we are geographically apart or things get hectic; it happens to everyone. Tony and I try to remember, however, that God really does require mutual accountability from us. He wants us to continually discuss with each other what we learn from His Word—whenever and wherever that occurs.

So we do our best to find the time. We remember how those lunch discussions in Minnesota helped preserve our marriage, and we know God’s Word remains the center that can help us become stronger even today.

Adventure Application: Look to share at least one thing with your spouse each day this week that you learn in your private Scripture reading, devotional reading, or in a Bible study elsewhere. Encourage your spouse to add his or her insights to the discussion. You both will be doubly blessed.