Author	Thread: reproof within marriage
Admin	reproof within marriage Posted : 6 Nov, 2010 11:15 AM How would you offer your wife loving reproof when she has messed up? Would you only offer reproof if it was something done within the home, against you or the children? Or, would you also offer reproof if she sinned against someone else -- such as gossiping with a girlfriend? Would you defend her actions against others even when she's in the wrong? If not, how would you NOT defend her actions while still communicating to her that you love her and that you do defend her, as an individual person and as part of your own life and own person? Would you let certain things go? How would you decide what to let go and what to address? Do you think reproof has any place within the dating relationship? Does it look the same as it does in marriage, or different? (And, no, you don't have to answer ALL of the questions to respond! These are just some questions to think about as you respond to the issue brought forth.) Post Reply
Tulip89 View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 6 Nov, 2010 05:07 PM Well, wives are fellow Christians, and when Christians stray, they need to be reproved. This still applies to her actions against others. Honestly, it's a ridiculous idea to think that a husband would stop loving his wife merely because he disagrees with what she's done (perhaps with the exception of cheating, murder, a mass deception, etc.). If this is the case, either the wife needs to look at why she's so overly sensitive, or the the husband needs to look at whether his actions recently have been communicating that he loves her. Probably both. Reproof is not constant criticism and nagging though. In healthy relationships there needs to be a good bit of complimenting and encouraging going on. That way the reproof is the exception and not the rule. Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 6 Nov, 2010 08:52 PM If the wife is a 'real' Christian as is the husband. If God is real. If God hears and answers prayer. Then : The husband prays asking God to show his wife the truth and correct her. (That is 'plan A'.....'plan B' is considerably more dangerous! ) :winksmile: Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 12:49 PM I agree with what Tulip said. As far as praying that God will convict your spouse v. offering reproof, I'll need to chew on that one for awhile... Obviously, prayer definitely has a very big part in offering reproof (and receiving it), but my initial thought regarding that is that if we only pray and never approach the person and never have that conversation, we fall short of what God is really asking us to do. In part, this would depend on the nature of the offense. It is absolutely appropriate at times to just let things go, but when there is a real sin issue there like gossip or repeatedly snapping at the children, I would question whether my only role in that is just to pray about it. What comes to mind here is Matthew 18 and that verse in Proverbs (?) that talks about iron sharpening iron. For iron to sharpen iron, there has to be contact there. If husband and wife only just pray for each other and never offer reproof (or encouragement) then I don't think they can really effectively sharpen each other. Iron sharpening iron is not something passive. Those are my initial thoughts anyway. You've definitely given me something to think about here =) Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 12:50 PM Oh, and I'd be curious to read about Plan B, if you feel like sharing! Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 01:17 PM @lift I do so love reading your posts; one can see you hive things serious thought. In your response to my input you have jumped ahead a few links on the chain of logic; causing it to jump to another sprocket. So let's clear a few assumptions up ; If God tells you to reprove your spouse, then by all means do it; but this can only be found out in prayer. Oops I have company, gotta go; will continue later : -) Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 01:25 PM Aw, I'm glad you enjoy my posts. And thanks for the clarification. That does give what you said a context in which I understand it better =) Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 04:11 PM Pixy, I agree totally with Tulip and twosparrows on this topic!!! :hearts::hearts::hearts: You need to always lovingly reproof those in your life when they need it, be they your wife, your fiancee, just a gal you're dating as you're develop a growing, more serious relationship, your children, brother, sister, parents, friends etc, and they need to lovingly reproof you when it's needed ... and I feel too that more expressions of loving encouragement and support should be happening than loving reproof in every relationship. What a BAREFOOT GREAT and thoughtful question, pixy!!! :hearts::hearts::hearts: Thanks for asking it. Steve Post Reply
View Profile History	reproof within marriage Posted : 7 Nov, 2010 04:13 PM @ pixy sorry I had to show a man a horse; no really (really, just case you thought I meant I had to ho to the bathtoom )hehehe I know a married couple this works quite well for I've seen it first hand. If we are all one with Christ, if we are all one with one another , if a husband and wife are one ; I think that makes a verbal reprove over rated; especially when the one being reproved is in no mood to listen and the one doing the reproving is getting puffed up with pride. Disclaimer; I am not talking about" communication" ie : " you seemed rude to that person" is not reproving, it is communication , helping each other to be better; but taken to extremes is nagging. Usually a "reprove" comes when one knows deep down some where, they are wrong. Post Reply