10 Emotional Needs in Marriage

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.


9. FAMILY COMMITMENT
Family commitment is not child care. Family commitment is the active participation in the raising of the children with their moral and educational needs. Many women need help from the father to properly raise their children.

Some of the help includes:

• Meals together as a family
• Attending church services together
• Reading to the children at bedtime
• Teaching the children about finances
• Playing board games together
• Planning and participating in family day trips
• Playing sports with the children

Parenting takes a lot of time and training. Schedules need to be adjusted for family events. Parents may need to take classes or read how to raise the children. Some of the key areas include:

• Learn how to reach an agreement with your spouse. The two of you must be on the same page when it comes to the children.
• Learn how to explain the rules to the children. No one parent should be the preferred or good parent when it comes to the children.
• Learn how to be consistent. Don’t let the mood of either parent allow rules to be broken or swayed. This can pit one parent against the other. Children will learn how to leverage a parent.
• Learn how to punish properly and fairly. Spanking can be appropriate when done properly. Corporal punishment can be excessive, especially as the child grows up.
• Learn how to handle anger. Never punish a child when in the state of anger. Develop the skills of emotional intelligence to recognise when you start becoming angry and act accordingly.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
As a couple, this week sit and discuss the area of Family Commitment in your family. Put your expectations and responsibilities clearly down in writing.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help us to always remember that we are a team in our marriage. Help us to be responsibly committed in our Family Commitment. Help us to take our Family Commitment as a privilege and not as a burden. In Jesus’ name, amen.