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 PrintableVersion TogetherInvesting in your marriageSoft pedallingTOGETHER This handbook is a nine-session small group resource for married couples. Each session is divided into introductory reading, group session time and space for couples to talk things over privately, with relevant Bible passages to study and practical examples to discuss. There are some extremely helpful sections on how we relate to one another in marriage, dealing with issues such as conflict, relational needs, understanding and handling our differences, etc. (I know this because my husband and I sat down and went through some of it together!), and some useful tools to help couples talk about deepening their physical and spiritual intimacy. The way the book is set out makes it easily accessible and fun to work through, and is sprinkled with amusing quotes, cartoons and some helpful diagrams. The beautiful photos at the beginning of each section make you want to read the contents of that chapter, and add to the really positive feel of the book. I especially liked the last section as it leaves us with the idea that marriage is an outward-looking thing, and encourages us with the thought that we can have a spiritual influence on those around us and on future generations: God ‘is asking us to be Christ’s ambassadors, to represent him individually and as a married couple here and now to the people around us: family, friends, colleagues at work, neighbours....’ (p.143). However, in my view, those with sharp spiritual antennae will notice a few points where we might wish for a more firmly rooted biblical clarity, for example there is a rather ‘softly softly’ approach to headship and submission in the session on ‘Fitting together as husbands and wives’, but it does point us to the example of the Godhead and the fact that Jesus submits to his Father. All in all, this is a tremendously beneficial and practical book, and I am sure many couples will find it worth investing in. Carolyn Ash,
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