Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #27 — Sharing is Caring

Picture: Counsel #27 — Sharing is Caring CR 290.1

What happens when your partner always chooses the movie, keeps the shared car for hours without saying anything, or grabs the game controller every time you’re about to use it? It might seem small, but over time, these little habits can feel like big signs of disrespect. CR 290.2

In healthy give and take, shared respect extends to shared resources. Whether it’s the TV remote, the car, or the weekend budget, both people in a marriage are called to approach these things with maturity, fairness, and open communication. Not because “stuff” is important, but because being considerate of your partner in how you handle shared things reveals your level of relational maturity in handling your shared life. From a Christian standpoint, God calls us to be stewards, not just of money^[307] and possessions, but of each other’s experiences. When one person consistently dominates decisions, that relationship becomes more like a dictatorship than a partnership. Simple acts like asking, offering, and taking turns are small yet powerful ways to show that “mine” has now become “ours.” CR 290.3

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 NIV CR 290.4

“Those who live for self are always in want, for they are never satisfied.” Ellen White in In Heavenly Places, p. 232 CR 290.5

Reflect: How many things do you share with your spouse willingly? In what ways could you use improvement? CR 290.6