Over the past few years our church has offered different classes for the married couples to take on Wednesday nights. One of the first ones I remember was Fireproof, based on the movie that had come out around that time. The movie and class were refreshing since there aren't many good Christian movies out there.
Then came the Love and Respect class with the Eggerichs. A DVD series talking about Love and Respect among married couples. Next to pastor Wayne Holcolm from The Door Fellowship in Williamsport, PA, this series is one of the best teachings I've heard on marriage in my few years of marriage so far! Dr. Emerson and his wife really hit the nail on the head on this one! After watching these classes you know exactly what they mean when they say things like, "the crazy cycle," "not wrong, just different," and "pink versus blue." These terms are used throughout the book so if you haven't taken the class you may feel a little lost.
The main point of the series is that women have a need to be shown love and when they are, they will in turn show respect. In the same sense, men have a need to be shown respect, and when they are, they will in turn find it easier to love. Sounds easy? Well, no. Which is probably why the rate of divorce is so high in this nation. The battle between the sexes seem to continue to rage but this couple shows us how to stop the craziness in a practical and Biblical way. This series is needed in this nation and offers hope to many in a difficult place.
The Love and Respect Experience is a devotional based on this series. If you haven't taken the class it may be a tad difficult to understand everything the author is talking about, but not impossible. Much can be gained from these devotions. And the great thing about these devotions is there are only 52, not 365 like most devotionals. It is set up so you and your spouse can read them together or separate and come together to pray and participate in a practical application each week.
My favorite part of the book was when Dr. Eggerichs says that nowhere in the bible are we commanded to have devos with our spouse! So true! Yes, we need to read and study God's word alone, but we have such a misconception that if we aren't reading with our spouse everyday of our lives we are failing in our marriage. This devotional doesn't put a guilt trip on you for not reading everyday with your spouse but encourages you to strengthen your marriage through prayer and practical application based on Scripture.
Great post and a wonderful reminder
ReplyDeleteI love the spiritual aspect and approach to such a common problem in our society. Love there are no guilt trips either. We women get enough of those on our own. It is so true, women need to feel loved. Men need to be respected and it just doesn't happen enough.
ReplyDeleteGlad your church offered such a wonderful program.
ReplyDelete"..women have a need to be shown love and when they are, they will in turn show respect. In the same sense, men have a need to be shown respect, and when they are, they will in turn find it easier to love" awesome point!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post and a great program. Looks like a very inspirational book!
ReplyDeleteWHat a neat looking book!!!
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