The Rock Church

[This month Pastor Kirk and Pastor Suzette join forces to take our relationships to a whole new level!]
 
“You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”   – 1 Peter 3:7
 
Men – the call from God is to live in an understanding way. Thank God the call is not to understand our wives- but to live in an understanding way!
 
Women - we need to understand men as well.  They may not be as complex, but they are different!
 
1 Corinthians 12:12-17
 
1. Men and women are different.

In life – the differences make the difference.  We are all made to be different!
 
- Men ask “what was your score?”  Ladies ask “who did you go with?”
- Women go to shop. Men go to buy.
-Men want to get from point a to point b.  Women want to take the scenic route.  (This applies to conversation as well, in case you haven’t noticed!).
- Men ask “what happened?”  Women ask “how did it happen?”
- Men want direct orders.  Women hint. 
- Men want to change the channel. Women want to watch an entire show.
- Men move on – quickly.  Women never forget the past.  
 
2. Men and women communicate in different ways. 
 
Don't give your spouse what you want – give them what they want and need.
 
Ladies, remember that even when a man is listening, he is going to get it wrong.  Sometimes you have to applaud the effort! 
 
Psalm 139:13-16
 
You're wired for your calling and purpose. There’s no wrong or right wiring - just different.
 
It's important to see your spouse as a gift from God. They are not a foe. Focus on their strengths and what's positive about them - not on the differences and what's negative.
 
3. Knowing his/her personality type is vital.
 
Personality types can be eye-opening.  Often times, opposites do attract.  At first these differences create attraction – but then they become irritation!  However - let our differences complement each other! 

Common personality types: 
Choleric – Determined doers, Take-charge leaders
Sanguine – Want to know if it’s going to be fun, love people 
Phlegmatic – Want everyone to get along, easygoing
Melancholy – Want it to be done right, Creative, Particular
 
With all these differences – Gender! Communication! Personality! - we need the grace of God in our marriages!  The only way to get the grace of God is from a relationship with God.  A great marriage takes three: a man, a woman, and God.