Do you know what you mean by faithfulness? Mostly likely you do, but do you know what she/he means by faithfulness? Believe it or not, it might not be exactly the same!
Conversations like this are important because we don’t all look at things in exactly the same way. Our temperaments, experiences, and other factors affect how we look at concepts like faithfulness and even how we, personally, define words.
The core of faithfulness may be obvious but you might find that there are also subtle differences between the way you each define it.
How Do You Define Faithfulness?
So here’s the question: How do you define faithfulness?
To help you each understand how you, personally, understand faithfulness, grab a couple of sheets of paper and each write down your answers to these questions. Shhh! Do it quietly, so you don’t influence each other!
Hint: If Virtuous Weddings is totally your thing, subscribe below to get access to the VIP Resource Library which includes a printable worksheet for this word. Check your email for the Resource Library password and a direct link to the “How Do You Define” printables.
Answer based on your feelings, not just logic, dictionary definitions, or what you think it should be.
Most arguments, disagreements, hurts, and misunderstandings in marriage are based largely on feelings so don’t gloss over them here, in favor of something that seems more “correct.”
However, also be sure to get your philosophy ~ your principles, values, and ideas ~ in there. Your true inner beliefs, not what someone else said, because that’s what’s going to come out in everyday life, especially when there is conflict. If you need to change your understanding of faithfulness, that can come later. Right now you need to understand yourself so that you can then try to understand each other. This is what faithfulness means to you at a very REAL level.
The Questions
What is faithfulness? Use other words (or phrases, if you prefer) to explain faithfulness.
What are the first things you think of when you think of faithfulness? What does faithfulness mean to you?
What are the opposites of faithfulness?
What is faithfulness not? What expresses or indicates the absence of faithfulness?
What does faithfulness require? What will make you question the “trueness” of faithfulness if it’s missing?
What will make you question the “trueness” of faithfulness if it’s present?
What are signs that faithfulness is taking place in a home?
What are signs that faithfulness is not taking place (or is weak) in a home?
Now Talk About How You Define Faithfulness!
When you’re both finished answering the questions, discuss and compare your answers.
How can you communicate with each other more effectively?
How will the way you understand faithfulness affect your lives?
Tip: after you finish your comparison, grab a dictionary and see what that does to you!
The How Do You Define Faithfulness? Worksheet
Did you get the printable? If not, here’s another opportunity!
So . . . how do you define faithfulness? I’d love to know what you learned!
