Got this from Susie's blog.Think she has done a good review of the book which i have bought for her.Enjoy this interesting review on relationship between man and woman."My dear sister in christ got me this book as a gift. This is a sequel to the author’s bestseller “Kiss dating goodbye” which I mentioned in my previous entry that I’m gonna get my hands on. This new book is an excellent read. I couldn’t put it down since I started reading it on the train ride to work this morning. I was totally immersed in it and wasn’t at all bothered by the sardine packed train. I read it every moment of free time I had. I met Weig during BSF lecture and she told me she read this book twice cos it was really so good! She is also an avid reader on christian relationship books and she strongly reccomended it. True enough. I think it’s another good book to study on.
Few random points that struck me throughout the first few chapters of the book:
Wisdom complements romance. Current trend in relationships now is guided by impatience, lack of purpose and misguided emotions - which are all expressions of foolishness.
Courtship is a relationship between a man and a woman who are actively and intentionally together to consider a marriage. It shouldn’t be rushed though but involves commitment to each other by willingness to explore the merits of lifelong commitment.
Courtship is a season for two people to grow in friendship, to get to know each other’s character, and to see how they interact as a couple.
Two central priorities in God-glorifying, wisdom-guided courtship. First, to treat each other with holiness and sincerity; second, to make an informed and wise decision about marriage.
Learn to grow and guard through these 3 stages: In friendship (Learning about each other through qualitative and quantitative time together), fellowship (Biblical fellowship, spurring each other on in righteousness etc.) and eventually romance (showing genuine affection).
God knows all things and knows the plans He has for us. Our responsiblity is to love Him, study his word, deepen our relationship with Him and learn to evaluate our choices in light of biblical wisdom.
Now, the important part on the author talking about the role of MEN. Haha. I very much like his perspective on the definitive roles of men with close relation to biblical terms. I quote, “God calls men to be servant initiators - firm but gentle, masculine yet caring, leaders yet servants. Called to be protectors, not seducers.” There are 4 important main points pertinent to the above quote:
Assume the responsibility of leading and intiating in your relationships. ( Setting direction, proposing ideas but at the same time listening and taking others’ interests into account)
Be a spiritual leader in your relationships. ( Strive to set an example of passion for God)
Do little things in your relationships that communicate care, respect and desire to protect. (Goal is to show through the actions the noble status of women)
Encourage women to embrace godly feminity. (Be the biggest encouragers and prayer warriors for women who are seeking to glorify God)
There should be a balance in the roles played in the relationship. To show impartiality, I will present the definitive roles for WOMEN as well. It’s for all to learn. These are the four practical ways to practice Godly feminity:
In the relationship with Godly men, encourage and make room for them to practice leadership. ( During times when the men initiate in conversation, in fellowship, in activities or any other areas, be sure to show appreciation and cheer him on)
Be a sister to the men in your life. ( Pray for them. Be natural. Be a friend.)
Cultivate the attitude that motherhood is a noble and fulfilling calling.
Cultivate godliness and inward beauty in your life. (1Peter 3: 4 - the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight)
Talking about the heart of women, I’d recommend John and Stasi Eldredge’s book called ”Captivating” which is a touching book that feeds the souls of women and unleases the feminity that God created and wanted us to be. I teared a little while reading this book. Girls, go grab this book ya. Haha. Think all the guys must thank me for advocating feminity through recommending such readings huh. Hahaha. So, back to the book. I sort of summarised the crux of it, or at least those which I thought spoke to me. Im eager to read the rest of Joshua Harris’ other titles after finishing this.. Will do the updates…"