How can you talk to that co-worker about their overbearing attitude? What does it mean for a husband to unconditionally love his wife? Listen as Susie’s good friend Dr. Greg Smalley joins the program to field your questions on life and relationships.

At a recent marriage seminar, Greg shares his experience speaking with the men. Many of the husbands struggled with feeling afraid or inadequate when it came to leading their wives spiritually. Greg says this raised a lot of memories in his own mind. “This was so hard for me early on in my marriage. I married such an amazing woman, so strong, so independent… I didn’t know what to do. We both suffered a bit – [Erin was] feeling disappointed and cheated, and it made me shut down. I didn’t have the desire to have that spiritual intimacy with someone I was frustrated with.”

What is spiritual leadership? Greg quotes theologian John Piper.

“Spiritual leadership is knowing where God wants them to be and using God’s methods to help get them there.” Depending on the personalities and gifts of the couple, leadership will look different in different contexts. Greg and Susie suggest looking at the fruit of your spouse’s life, as well as the fruit of your marriage:

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience

Susie points out that some women have unfair expectations for the men in their lives. Leadership may not mean your husband sitting on the floor strumming a guitar and writing a three-point sermon for the children. It may mean praying with your children every night before bed. It may mean choosing a church for your family that values the Bible and ministers to the poor. It may mean guarding the family’s finances and making sure you’re tithing on a regular basis.

Greg ties the whole conversation back to the greatest commandment.

“It begins with love, and then we’re learning the unique ways our wife and children like to connect with the Lord.”

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 6:7

Featured Songs: We Belong Together by Steven Curtis Chapman; King of My Heart by Love & The Outcome; All My Fountains by Chris Tomlin

Highlight : What is spiritual leadership?

Leading in a marriage