Be Their Help Mate
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
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why
This simple shift in perspective can help you draw closer to each other.
It's more valuable and tangible than the "love languages."
But it's not just a relationship thing.
It's also real world and practical.
It's a new "four letter word" you can use in your marriage.
Once you grasp this, you can understand each other better.
Reduce the judging and conflict.
And feel better about yourself.
In fact, had I learned and practiced this habit within my own marriage, we would have avoided a lot of pain and resentment.
What's the idea? Help
How can you be the other person's Helper and enjoy it?
our story
During a difficult time at work, for around 9 months I would ask my wife for her opinion.
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I was reaching out for help and asking her advice on different ways.
"What do you think?"
"What does it mean?"
But each time, she would frown, raise her voice and give a snap answer.
Two years later, still bothered by this, I asked her directly: "It seemed like just asking for help and your advice ireitated you. Did it?"
Angrily, she said "Yes. It did bother me. It does bother me when you ask me for help."
I realized then that we needed a better habit.
how
First, read the scripture and devotional privately and reflect on the questions below for about a minute.
Then come together to discuss the questions or any other items that come up.
privately
Spend a moment alone and ask yourself these two questions:
- When you are in trouble, how do you most want to be helped?
- How do you ask for help?
together
- How have you received each other's request for help?
- How can it be improved so it's easier to be a helper?
- How can help be better delivered so it's appreciated?
- How can you help one another today?
look up
God sent a helper in his Son. He did what we cannot do ourselves: make ourselves righteous before God. It's 100% work of Christ.
Can we be an offer of help when asked plainly and humbly?
Can we seek the help we truly need in a way to confidently receive it?
pray
- God, give us a spirit and a willingness and a joy to help
- Curb our tongue and take captive our thoughts to ask for help instead of demanding results
- Spirit, guide us to know when we need help, what that is, and how to ask the other in joyful interdependence
more
comment on Twitter
Love languages are great and all. But there's another four-letter word we can get right.
— Jonah | The Marriage Habit (@marriagehabit) April 10, 2023
It's actually something we do daily.
But we have different ways to handle it.
Help.
You can help someone in a way they don't want to be helped.