Move Toward Oneness
Discussion Questions
- How is your marriage different from your parents’ marriage? How have some of those habits (good or bad) that you grew up with affected your marriage?
- Make an honest assessment of the words below as priorities in your life. Rank them 1-9 (feel free to add to this if priorities are missing). Avoid the temptation to give the “churchy answer.” Consider the time you spend, the money you spend, and the energy you spend when ranking these. Also consider the “gap” that exists between each (e.g. kids are far more important than hobbies) a. Work, Spouse, Friends, Recreation, Kids, God, Hobbies, Exercise, Education. Share your list to the group.
- As a group, discuss what a healthy prioritized list would be and the heathy “gaps” between each. Leave room for humble disagreement.
- With the Circle Around Yourself, what practical things would need to change in your life and marriage for you to move toward the healthy priority list?
- Generally speaking, is it easier for you to help your spouse or to let them help you? Why?
- Our conversations with our spouse rarely go beyond our work and kids. How well do you know your spouse’s biggest dreams and greatest fears for the next few years? What dreams and fears have you never communicated to your spouse?
- Think ahead 10 years from now. How do you want your marriage to be described?
- What’s the most important next step you need to take as a spouse in order to move toward the marriage you described in previous question?
1-on-1 Conversation Starter
• Remind each other of your response to how you want your marriage to be described in 10 years.
○ Without blaming, complaining, or defending yourself, ask your spouse what specific things you can do to move toward making that a reality?
Challenge for the Week
• Identify one thing you have prioritized above God and your spouse at times (e.g. job, kids, parents, friends, hobbies). Share that with your spouse and confess this to God and your spouse.
*Extra Credit: As you wrap up Marriage Circles, plan a time to celebrate this small, but significant accomplishment. Together, plan a fun date night out (or in)!