Make return visits (4 mins.) FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use one of the truths in appendix A of the brochure A Work of Love (lmd lesson 9 point 3).
Setting: The publisher revisits someone with whom he had a previous conversation about family. After recalling the Bible's counsel on the respect a wife should show her husband, they return to the question that had been left unresolved: How should a husband love his wife?
Publisher: Hello, [name]. It's great to see you again! How have you been this week?
Assistant: Hello, [name]. Very well, thank God. Just resting a bit. It's great that you came, I'm so glad to see you again.
Publisher: I'm glad to hear that. Last week we had a very interesting conversation about family. We were talking about the Bible's counsel that a wife should have deep respect for her husband. Do you remember what we discussed?
Assistant: Yes, of course I remember. In fact, I thought about it quite a bit. I thought it was very wise advice, because many arguments at home start when there's a lack of respect. But I also kept thinking about the other side of the story.
Publisher: Exactly. And that's why I wanted to come back, because we left one question unanswered: If the Bible asks wives to show respect, how should husbands love their wives?
Assistant: Well, that makes sense, because in a marriage both people have responsibilities. If only one person puts in the effort, it's difficult for things to work out well.
Publisher: You're absolutely right. Jehovah didn't place the entire responsibility for a happy marriage solely on the wife. He also gave husbands very clear instructions. I'd like us to read a passage written by the apostle Paul at Ephesians 5:33. Would you like to read it from my tablet?
Assistant: Of course, with pleasure. It says: “However, each of you must love his wife as he loves himself. In turn, the wife must have deep respect for her husband.”
Publisher: Thank you very much. Notice that the verse again mentions the respect that the wife should have, but what command does the husband receive?
Assistant: He says that he must love his wife as he loves himself.
Publisher: Exactly. And that love involves much more than just saying nice words. Think about it: When a person loves themselves, they take care of themselves. If they are hungry, they eat; if they are tired, they rest; they look after their well-being. The Bible says that a husband should care for his wife with that same concern, taking into account her feelings, her needs, and her happiness.
Assistant: That's true. It's a very beautiful way of looking at love within marriage.
Publisher: That's right. But the Bible also explains how that love should be shown in our daily lives. Let's read another piece of advice at Colossians 3:19. Could you please read it?
Assistant: Of course. It says: “Husbands, continue to love your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them.”
Publisher: Thank you. What do you think that last part about not being bitterly angry with them means? Some translations say, “Don’t be harsh with them.”
Assistant: I suppose it means not treating them badly, not speaking to them in a hurtful way, not being cold, and not losing patience easily.
Publisher: Excellent comment. A husband who loves his wife as himself doesn't try to make her feel less than. Rather, he listens to her, is patient, treats her with affection, and shows that he values everything she does.
Now imagine a marriage where the wife shows respect and the husband demonstrates that kind of love. What do you think the atmosphere would be like in that home?
Assistant: I think it would be a much calmer and happier home. There would certainly be less conflict and more understanding.
Publisher: Exactly. That's why we see that the Bible's advice works, because it comes from Jehovah, who created marriage and knows what families need to be happy.
Assistant: That makes perfect sense. Jehovah knows better than anyone how to help families.
Publisher: That's right. Of course, that doesn't mean a marriage will never have problems. We all face difficult situations, such as financial worries, work stress, or the pressures of daily life.
Assistant: Yes, those problems can greatly affect the relationship. Sometimes stress causes people to change the way they treat each other.
Publisher: That's right. So I'd like us to discuss a very interesting question in our next conversation: How does the Bible help families overcome financial difficulties and stress without losing unity? I'd also like to show you a free brochure that contains very practical Bible-based advice on this topic.
Assistant: That sounds like an excellent idea. Next Saturday at this same time works perfectly for me.
Publisher: Very well, then we're all set. Have a nice afternoon.
Assistant: Thank you very much, [name]. Likewise. Until next time!
Comments
Post a Comment