Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #27 — Tackle it Together

Picture: Counsel #27 — Tackle it Together CR 261.1

Although there are many differences in how people live, the one thing every person deals with is household chores! Dirty dishes, laundry piles, and dust on the baseboards are inevitable everyday responsibilities that households fall prey to. In marriage, how you separate these tasks speaks volumes regarding how you value and respect each other. CR 261.2

Taking shared responsibility isn’t just about “doing your part.” It’s about communicating what needs to be done to keep order in the home and showing love through your actions. A lot of couples fight over one person doing “too much” while the other consistently does “too little.” To avoid this back-and-forth sparring match of “Who’s sacrificing more,” it’s important to establish symmetry based on each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and availability. Some seasons may require one person to carry more due to work, illness, or stress, which is why communication is essential. Discuss routines often, especially as your schedules or energy levels change to avoid subtle resentments from building when unspoken expectations aren’t met. Our best example in this matter is Jesus — He chose the posture of a servant, always. Let us seek to exemplify this with every chore we complete.^[279] CR 261.3

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” Colossians 3:23 NIV CR 261.4

“There is no room for sloth or selfishness.” Ellen White in Prayer, p. 163 CR 261.5

Reflect: Are chores creating teamwork in your marriage, or building resentment? CR 261.6